Cincinnati Reds 2019 Top 30 MLB Prospects Midseason Update
Image credit: Reds prospect Taylor Trammell (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
UPDATE: The Reds list has been updated to include the July 31 trade deadline.
Cincinnati made moves in the offseason that have paid off and helped them stay relevant in the competitive National League Central. Their pitching has been more stable this season, and top prospect Nick Senzel has helped add some offense while patrolling center field.
While competitive, Cincinnati may opt to stay put or even sell in an effort to continue deepening their farm system. Paying a premium price for a rental player doesn’t make much sense, as they aren’t close enough to the top of their division to justify such a move.
The Reds’ system has an intriguing group of position players that are making their way through the upper minors. This group includes top prospect Taylor Trammell as well as catcher Tyler Stephenson. They have some interesting arms that can be rotation pieces in Tony Santillan and 2019 draftee Nick Lodolo. While further away, outfielders Mike Siani and Stuart Fairchild have upside, as does polished third baseman Jonathan India.
Outside of the top 10, the Reds’ system is littered with young, athletic players and lower-ceiling pieces that are close to be complimentary players at the big league level.
The two major league trade chips that stick out for Cincinnati are outfielder Yasiel Puig and righthander Tanner Roark. Each one is a nice piece that could bring back an interesting prospect. Closer Raisel Iglesias would bring back some impactful prospects, but such a trade would mean that another club is willing to meet their high price tag.
1. Hunter Greene, RHP
Greene underwent Tommy John surgery this season, although Cincinnati still has high hopes for the 2017 first-rounder.
2. Jonathan India, 3B
India is showing more extra-base power in the high Class A Florida State League while effectively manning both second and third base.
3. Nick Lodolo, LHP
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Lodolo is off to a good start in the Rookie-level Pioneer League, working with a three-pitch mix and average control.
4. Tony Santillan, RHP
Santillan has good stuff but has been hit around in Double-A as he continues to learn how to navigate a lineup properly.
5. Tyler Stephenson, C
Stephenson is making hard contact against Double-A pitching thanks to an improved knowledge of the strike zone.
6. Mike Siani, OF
Siani is adjusting to full-season pro ball while proving that he will stick in centerfield with plus range and arm strength.
7. Jameson Hannah, OF
Hannah’s bat speed and compact swing have helped drive his success in the California League prior to being dealt from the A’s to the Reds in the Tanner Roark deal. His natural defensive instincts have allowed him to roam between all three outfield spots.
8. Jose Garcia, SS
Garcia has been steady with the bat in the Florida State League and is playing good defense thanks to smooth actions with a plus arm up the middle.
9. Jose Siri, OF
Siri is pushing himself into the conversation to become a big league depth piece, playing sound outfield defense with above-average speed. His strikeout rate remains a big concern, however.
10. Stuart Fairchild, OF
Fairchild has taken better at-bats this season, earning him a chance to face pitching in the upper minors.
11. Vlad Gutierrez, RHP
12. Josh VanMeter, 3B/2B
13. TJ Friedl, OF
14. Rece Hinds, 3B
15. Mariel Bautista, OF
16. Lyon Richardson, RHP
17. Tyler Callihan, 2B/3B
18. Keury Mella, RHP
19. James Marinan, RHP
20. Aristides Aquino, OF
21. Juan Martinez, 3B
22. Alfredo Rodriguez, SS
23. Jacob Heatherly, LHP
24. Packy Naughton, LHP
25. Hendrik Clementina, C
26. Danny Lantigua, OF
27. Ryan Hendrix, RHP
28. Jimmy Herget, RHP
29. Ibandel Isabel, 1B
30. Allen Cedra, OF
Rising
SS Alfredo Rodriguez is a defensive-oriented infielder who shows the ability to put the bat on the ball with consistency. While he hasn’t shown much power, he has a .343 on-base percentage through 69 games.
LHP Packy Naughton is having success against Southern League competition. He has been able to throw strikes with his fastball-curveball combo and has shown the ability to navigate his way out of trouble.
LHP Scott Moss has increased his spin rate while better controlling the break on his secondary offerings.
Falling
RHP Vladimir Gutierrez hasn’t fared well in the upper minors, allowing more than one hit per inning pitched. He has especially struggled against lefthanded hitters, who are hitting .314 against him.
1B Ibandel Isabel is still hitting for power as he faces pitching in the Southern League, but his already alarming strikeout rate is continuing to climb. He’s now striking out in 42.5 percent of all plate appearances.
Hurting
RHP Hunter Greene was shut down last July and attempted to rehab an elbow injury, but he later needed Tommy John surgery that will keep him out for 2019 and part of 2020.
LHP Jacob Heatherly went on the injured list with a sore shoulder in late April. He’s working his way back and hopefully will get back on the mound later this season.
RHP Ryan Hendrix hit the shelf on May 2 with a right elbow strain and hasn’t made an appearance since late April.
Graduated
3B Nick Senzel got the call to Cincinnati, spending time in center field and hitting for power in the middle of the Reds’ lineup.
C Kyle Farmer has been a reasonably reliable backup to Tucker Barnhart.
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