Cincinnati Reds
Prospects Overview
Top 30 Prospects
Click prospect for player report-
1Hunter Greene RHP
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2
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3Nick Lodolo LHP
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4
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5Tony Santillan RHP
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6Jose Barrero SS
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7
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8Lyon Richardson RHP
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9
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10Mike Siani OF
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11
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12Rece Hinds 3B
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13
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14Tyler Callihan 3B/2B
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15
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16Noah Davis RHP
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17Packy Naughton LHP
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18T.J. Friedl OF
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19Joel Kuhnel RHP
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20
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21Jared Solomon RHP
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22Tejay Antone RHP
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23Ivan Johnson SS/2B
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24
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25
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26James Marinan RHP
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27
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28
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29Jacob Heatherly LHP
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30Ryan Hendrix RHP
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Player Reports
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1. Hunter Greene | RHPBorn: Aug 6, 1999Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 215Drafted/Signed: HS--Sherman Oaks, Calif., 2017 (1st round).Signed By: Rick Ingalls.
TRACK RECORD: The Reds drafted Greene second overall in 2017 and inked him to a $7.23 million bonus. Cincinnati opted to develop him as a pitcher rather than a shortstop or two-way player, which was at least a possibility given the power he showed in high school. His hitting ability raised some questions among evaluators, while his arm strength, pure stuff and athleticism on the mound were too enticing to put on the backburner. Greene saw 30 at-bats as a DH and tossed just 4.1 innings for Rookie-level Billings after signing in 2017. He didn't dominate in 2018 for low Class A Dayton, but he posted an impressive 11.72 strikeouts per nine innings thanks to his power stuff. He didn't throw a single fastball under 100 mph at the 2018 Futures Game. A sprained ulnar collateral ligament, however, cut his season short in late July. After attempting to rehab his elbow in the offseason, Greene suffered a setback in spring training and had Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2019 season.
SCOUTING REPORT: Greene's easy delivery and top-of-the-scale fastball are his main calling cards. His delivery is clean and easy for him to repeat from his three-quarters arm slot. It allows him to be in and around the strike zone with sound command of his fastball. Greene's arm strength is premium. His fastball has touched 103 mph, most notably in the 2018 Futures Game, and sits comfortably in the 98-100 mph range. While his fastball is electric, evaluators have noted batters see the ball well out of his hand and are able to square it up more frequently than is optimal. In addition to his high-octane fastball, Greene has enough arm speed to snap off a slider with good angle and downward biting action. Greene's slider is his best secondary offering and projects as plus while showing the ability to miss bats. His changeup lags behind his other offerings but projects average with his ability to maintain consistent arm speed during his delivery.
THE FUTURE: Greene is slated to begin building up innings on the mound in 2020 barring any setbacks. Besides proving a clean bill of health, Greene needs to improve his changeup in order to have a true off-speed weapon and a stronger chance at staying in the rotation. The righthander's pure stuff and delivery should give him a chance to pitch at the front of a rotation, but the Reds will rightfully continue to exercise caution. -
2. Jonathan India | 3BBorn: Dec 15, 1996Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 200Drafted/Signed: Florida, 2018 (1st round).Signed By: Sean Buckley.Minors: .259/.365/.402 | 11 HR | 11 SB | 428 AB
TRACK RECORD: Drafted fifth overall in 2018, India blasted 21 home runs as a junior at Florida after hitting 10 home runs in his first two years combined. He hit eight home runs in the high Class A Florida State League during the first half of his first full season and received a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga in late July. He posted a .414 on-base percentage in his first taste of the upper minors.
SCOUTING REPORT: India brings a polished game on both offense and defense. He controls the strike zone and flashes an above-average hit tool, although he will go through spells where he swings and misses too much. India shows plus raw power, but evaluators are split on whether it will translate into games as he gets more experience. India has average range and plus arm strength at third base, and he has the hands and glove necessary for the position long-term. India is an average runner who will try to steal a bag on occasion.
THE FUTURE: India's athleticism, polish and well-rounded game give him a chance to grow into a solid everyday player. A shortstop in college, India has the tools to move to second base in deference to Eugenio Suarez if needed. Wherever he plays, his natural feel to hit should keep him in the lineup. -
3. Nick Lodolo | LHPBorn: Feb 5, 1998Bats: L Throws: LHt.: 6'6" Wt.: 202Drafted/Signed: Texas Christian, 2019 (1st round).Signed By: Paul Scott.Minors: 0-1 | 2.45 ERA | 30 SO | 0 BB | 19 IP
TRACK RECORD: Lodolo decided not to sign with the Pirates out of high school after they drafted him 41st overall in 2016. He made his way to Texas Christian and struck out 11.4 batters per nine innings as a junior to emerge as the consensus top pitcher in the 2019 draft. The Reds took him No. 7 overall and signed him for the full slot amount of $5,432,200. Lodolo struck out 30 batters and didn't issue a single walk in 18.1 innings after signing and reached low Class A Dayton.
SCOUTING REPORT: Highly competitive, Lodolo comes right after hitters with his three-pitch mix. He attacks with a fastball that sits 92-93 mph and tops out at 96 with life. He works off his fastball with a plus curveball that has good depth and late snap to it with occasional sweeping action, and he has especially good feel to command it. Lodolo's third offering is an upper-80s changeup that currently lacks separation from his fastball but could end up an average pitch over time. For a taller pitcher at 6-foot-6, Lodolo projects to have plus command and control with the ability to fill up the strike zone.
THE FUTURE: Lodolo has the stuff and aggressiveness to be a mid-rotation starter and has a chance to move quickly. He'll head to high Class A Daytona in 2020. -
4. Tyler Stephenson | CBorn: Aug 16, 1996Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 225Drafted/Signed: HS--Kennesaw, Ga., 2015 (1st round).Signed By: John Poloni.Minors: .285/.372/.410 | 6 HR | 0 SB | 312 AB
TRACK RECORD: Stephenson was derailed by injuries for much of his first two seasons, including a concussion, wrist surgery and a sprained thumb. He stayed healthy in 2018 and showed defensive chops in the high Class A Florida State League, then took a step forward offensively in 2019. Stephenson's .372 on-base percentage ranked sixth among batters who had at least 300 plate appearances in the Double-A Eastern League.
SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson has good feel for the strike zone with an average hit tool and an excellent approach. He starts his swing with a small leg kick and modest load before firing his hands through the zone to produce loud contact and average power. He rarely chases out of the strike zone and works his walks. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Stephenson has a large frame behind the dish. He has solid hands but will have to continue to work on his receiving and framing skills. He has plus arm strength but doesn't always get a good release—he threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2019.
THE FUTURE: Stephenson's arm and offensive potential will be enticing if he can stick behind the plate. Some are concerned a lack of mobility may push him to first base or left field. -
5. Tony Santillan | RHPBorn: Apr 15, 1997Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'3" Wt.: 240Drafted/Signed: HS--Arlington, Texas, 2015 (2nd round).Signed By: Byron Ewing.Minors: 2-8 | 4.84 ERA | 92 SO | 54 BB | 103 IP
TRACK RECORD: The 49th overall pick in 2015, Santillan experienced a breakthrough 2018 but fought shoulder issues and a strained triceps tendon throughout 2019, landing on the injured list three times. When he was healthy, Santillan walked nearly a batter every other inning in the first half of the season with Double-A Chattanooga and struggled to find the strike zone consistently even during an improved second half.
SCOUTING REPORT: Santillan works from a delivery that has some effort. He can run his fastball up to 96 mph, but he works more effectively in the low 90s. While his command has shown improvement at times, he lacks the ability to land his secondary offerings with any consistency, which has contributed to high walk totals throughout his career. Santillan's slider is a future plus pitch in terms of pure quality in the low-to-mid 80s with a good spin rate. His changeup is developing and grades as a potential average pitch, although it is a touch firm. He has also played around with a curveball, which helped him process and better develop the break on his slider.
THE FUTURE: Santillan's stuff is that of a mid-to-back-of-the-rotation starter, but his control may ultimately push him to the bullpen. He may need a third straight season at Double-A in 2020. -
6. Jose Barrero | SSBorn: Apr 5, 1998Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 175Drafted/Signed: Cuba, 2017.Signed By: Chris Buckley/Tony Arias/Miguel Machado/Jim Stockel/Bob Engle/Hector Otero.Minors: .280/.343/.436 | 8 HR | 15 SB | 404 AB
TRACK RECORD: The Reds tracked Garcia closely during his years on Cuba's junior national team and went over their international spending limit to sign him for $5 million in 2017. He struggled with an aggressive assignment to low Class A Dayton in his first season but, like many Cuban players, he made great strides in his second year in the U.S. in 2019. Garcia hit .278/.340/.432 in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League and led the circuit with 37 doubles.
SCOUTING REPORT: Primarily a second baseman in Cuba, Garcia has proven he can handle shortstop. His soft, quick hands give him a plus glove, and he has the footwork and quickness to cover the requisite ground. Garcia's arm strength is plus and has become better as his internal clock has improved. The game doesn't speed up on him anymore after previously being a problem. Garcia's swing is repeatable and he shows some ability to drive the ball, but he's a contact hitter who uses the whole field more than a home run threat. His footspeed is average and won't hurt his ability to stick up the middle.
THE FUTURE: Garcia's defense is an asset and should help him get to the big leagues. If he continues to progress as a hitter, he can be an everyday regular. -
7. Shogo Akiyama | OFBorn: Apr 16, 1988Bats: L Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 190Drafted/Signed: Japan, 2019
TRACK RECORD: Akiyama is coming to the U.S. after spending nearly a decade with the Seibu Lions. Akyama was one of the most productive hitters in the Nippon Professional Baseball league for the second half of the 2010s. Akiyama set an NPB single-season record with 216 hits (in 143 games) in 2015. He's a career .301/.376/.454 hitter who fits best as a leadoff man. His power has increased in recent years–he's hit 20 or more home runs in each of the past three seasons after averaging eight home runs a year over his first six seasons. Akiyama broke a bone in his right foot when he was hit by a pitch in a warm-up game before the Premier12 tournament, but he's been exceptionally durable during his career–he hasn't missed a regular season game since 2014.
SCOUTING REPORT: Akiyama won six Gold Gloves in Japan while roaming center field. He is more of an above-average runner than a burner, but he has the ability to provide an impact both in the field, where he should be an above-average center fielder, and on the basepaths, although he's not a particularly prolific basestealer. Akiyama's stance and swing is both conventional (by Japanese standards) and unconventional (by U.S. standards). He coils into his back leg, pointing his front foot nearly at the catcher. He often uses a significant timing step to help start his swing, but usually has had little issue timing pitches. Akiyama has gone from being a slap hitter to one who can yank and drive high fastballs–he does a good job at using his lower half and clearing it through even when pitchers try to jam him. Akiyama has excellent barrel control. He may have some adjustment period to the U.S., but he's a solid hitter who should be an above-average (and possibly plus) hitter with 10-15 home run power.
THE FUTURE: Akiyama will turn 32 early in the season, so there is no projection involved. While he may have to adjust to the U.S., the Reds are looking to him to be a useful high-on-base contributor from day one. He's more of a complementary type than a star, but it's very plausible that he could have a Nori Aoki type career with Cincinnati. -
8. Lyon Richardson | RHPBorn: Jan 18, 2000Bats: B Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 192Drafted/Signed: HS--Jensen Beach, Fla., 2018 (2nd round).Signed By: Stephen Hunt.Minors: 3-9 | 4.15 ERA | 106 SO | 33 BB | 113 IP
TRACK RECORD: Richardson quickly rose in the 2018 draft class after he showed premium velocity on the mound. He was ticketed to go to Florida as a pitcher/outfielder, but his upper-90s fastball and projectable frame helped him go in the second round and land a nearly $2 million signing bonus. After an inconsistent pro debut, Richardson took the ball every fifth day for low Class A Dayton and tied for the Midwest League lead with 26 starts.
SCOUTING REPORT: Richardson can run his fastball up to 95 mph but generally sits in the low 90s with the ability to throw it for strikes. He consistently attacks hitters and doesn't back down regardless of the situation. His low-tomid- 70s curveball has good spin with late depth, and he has shown the ability to land it in the lower part of the strike zone as an above-average pitch. As with many other prep draftees, Richardson's changeup is his third pitch, but it could develop into an average offering with improved arm speed. He is highly athletic and throws strikes with above-average control. Richardson has a frame built to log innings, although evaluators are split how much projection is left.
THE FUTURE: Richardson is set to open 2020 at high Class A Daytona. His arm strength, athleticism and control give him a shot at developing into a mid-to-back of the rotation starter. -
9. Stuart Fairchild | OFBorn: Mar 17, 1996Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 190Drafted/Signed: Wake Forest, 2017 (2nd round).Signed By: Perry Smith (Reds).Minors: .264/.352/.441 | 12 HR | 6 SB | 401 AB
TRACK RECORD: Fairchild continued to adapt offensively in his third season of pro ball. While he hasn't shown the power he did at Wake Forest that made him a second-round pick in 2017, Fairchild managed to cut down on his strikeouts and hit .300 in May and June at high Class A Daytona to earn a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga in July.
SCOUTING REPORT: Fairchild isn't overly physical or toolsy, but he plays above his supposed limitations. He is known for being a grinder and a solid all-around contributor. Fairchild made the effort to simplify his swing and start it earlier, which has enabled him to put the barrel on the ball more consistently and show average or better hitting ability. With improvements to the timing of his lower and upper half, Fairchild has a chance to develop above-average power down the road. His plus instincts and plus speed give him the ability to play center field, and he has the average arm to man all three outfield positions as needed.
THE FUTURE: Fairchild should get plenty of at-bats in the upper minors in 2020. His continued offensive development will determine whether he becomes a solid everyday player or a useful fourth outfielder. -
10. Mike Siani | OFBorn: Jul 16, 1999Bats: L Throws: LHt.: 6'1" Wt.: 188Drafted/Signed: HS-- Philadelphia, 2018 (4th round).Signed By: Jeff Brookens.Minors: .253/.333/.339 | 6 HR | 45 SB | 466 AB
TRACK RECORD: The Reds signed Siani for $2 million in 2018, a full $1 million more than any other fourth-round pick. After helping USA Baseball win the gold medal at the 18U World Cup, Siani showed a well-rounded game in the Rookie-level Appalachian League the following season. His first taste of full-season ball was a learning experience. The 19-year-old struck out 20 percent of the time but also led the Midwest League with 45 stolen bases.
SCOUTING REPORT: Siani is a pure center fielder with plus defensive ability. He is athletic with excellent body control and gets good jumps into both gaps. Siani's arm is plus with natural carry, and his footspeed is also plus. For a teenager, he shows the ability to take proper routes and closes well on fly balls. While Siani's bat path stays direct to the ball, he tends to overswing, which causes his contact ability to suffer. As he matures, his bat should develop to make more consistent contact and take advantage of his average raw power.
THE FUTURE: Siani will start the 2020 season with high Class A Daytona. While he has flaws to his game, he's young and is a solid all-around outfielder in a Reds system that lacks depth in center field. -
11. Jameson Hannah | OFBorn: Aug 10, 1997Bats: L Throws: LHt.: 5'9" Wt.: 185Drafted/Signed: Dallas Baptist, 2018 (2nd round).Signed By: Chris Reilly (Athletics).Minors: .274/.339/.369 | 2 HR | 8 SB | 442 AB
TRACK RECORD: The Athletics made Hannah the 50th overall pick in the 2018 draft, the second-highest player ever taken from Dallas Baptist. Hannah started his first full season strong at high Class A Stockton and made the California League All-Star Game, and the Reds acquired him at the trade deadline for Tanner Roark. Hannah hit just .224 in 18 games after the trade for high Class A Daytona before suffering a season-ending wrist sprain.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hannah is highly athletic and shows it on both sides of the ball. A plus athlete with good bat-to-ball skills and a nice lefthanded swing, Hannah grinds out at-bats and has a solid approach. He works counts and seldom chases out of the zone or swings and misses. He mostly hits grounders or low liners and racks up extra bases with his plus speed. His swing and size are not conducive to home runs, but he has the strength to drive the ball. Hannah's speed and plus range play in center field, but his fringy arm needs to improve.
THE FUTURE: Hannah's athleticism and on-base skills should help him get to the big leagues. Whether he becomes an everyday player or fourth outfielder will be determined by how much his bat continues to develop. -
12. Rece Hinds | 3BBorn: Sep 5, 2000Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 215Drafted/Signed: HS--Bradenton, Fla., 2019 (2nd round).Signed By: Sean Buckley.Minors: .000/.200/0 | 0 HR | 0 SB | 8 AB
TRACK RECORD: Hinds put his elite power on display at the 2018 Under Armor High School Home Run Derby, swatting 25 homers to end up as a finalist at Nationals Park. He impressed in the field as well, reaching 98 mph on the infield at Perfect Game's National Showcase that summer. Intrigued by his power and physicality, the Reds drafted him 49th overall and signed him for an overslot $1,797,500 bonus to keep him from a Louisiana State commitment.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hinds has top-of-the-scale raw power, showing the ability to crush baseballs to all fields due to his sheer strength. He combines those long home runs with gobs of swings and misses, however, projecting as a fringe-average hitter at best. While athletic, Hinds is raw and lacks the ability to track breaking pitches, often times getting into pitchers' counts. His frame will likely outgrow shortstop and fit best at third base or even right field, where his plus-plus should play, though he needs to improve the consistency of his glove work. He isn't a speedster but runs well under way.
THE FUTURE: Hinds has plenty of risk to his profile, but his extreme power fits as a masher in a corner if he can make enough contact. -
13. Vladimir Gutierrez | RHPBorn: Sep 18, 1995Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'1" Wt.: 190Drafted/Signed: Cuba, 2016.Signed By: Tony Arias/Chris Buckley.Minors: 6-11 | 6.04 ERA | 117 SO | 48 BB | 137 IP
TRACK RECORD: The Reds signed Gutierrez for $4.7 million in Sept. 2016 after two successful seasons in Cuba's top baseball league, Serie Nacional. The 6-foot righthander rose quickly to the upper minors but hit a roadblock at Triple-A Louisville in 2019. His 6.04 ERA was third-highest in the International League, while his 26 homers allowed were tied for second-highest.
SCOUTING REPORT: Gutierrez's fastball sits in the low 90s and reaches 95 mph. It plays best when he pairs it with his plus changeup, but the consistency of his changeup was a problem in 2019. He often tried to manipulate it too much and, as a result, both his fastball and changeup played down. At his best, Gutierrez throws his changeup with similar arm speed to his fastball and has late fade with excellent deception. Gutierrez's spins an average curveball in the low-to-mid 80s that has sweeping action, but other times it is a true overhand, 12-to-6 offering. Usually in and around the strike zone, Gutierrez's control projects as average.
THE FUTURE: Gutierrez is best suited for the back of the rotation and could make his Reds debut in 2020. First, he has to prove his International League struggles are behind him. -
14. Tyler Callihan | 3B/2BBorn: Jun 22, 2000Bats: L Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 205Drafted/Signed: HS-- Jacksonville, Fla., 2019 (3rd round).Signed By: Sean Buckley.Minors: .263/.298/.442 | 6 HR | 11 SB | 224 AB
TRACK RECORD: Callihan emerged as one of the best hitters in his class on the showcase circuit, frequently barreling 90-plus mph velocity while showing in-game power. The catch, however, was he didn't have a defensive home. The Reds drafted Callihan in the third round anyway and signed him to an overslot $1,497,500 bonus to keep him from a South Carolina commitment. After playing shortstop and catcher in high school, Callihan played second base and third base in his pro debut at Rookie-level Greeneville and Billings.
SCOUTING REPORT: Callihan had no problems hitting high-velocity pitches as an amateur and showed the same prowess in pro ball thanks to plus bat speed. His hit tool projects to be above-average and his plus raw power will continue to translate as well. Like any prep hitter, he is prone to spells where he will swing and miss. Already moved off of shortstop, Callihan's future average glove and above-average arm fit at second or third base, with third his most likely destination.
THE FUTURE: Callihan's bat will drive his value moving forward. If all goes well, he should see low Class A Dayton in 2020. -
15. Michel Triana | 1BBorn: Nov 23, 1999Bats: L Throws: RHt.: 6'3" Wt.: 230Drafted/Signed: Cuba, 2019.Signed By: Reds international scouting department.
TRACK RECORD: Triana played first base for Cuba's 18U national team and worked out for teams at third base before signing with the Reds for $1.3 million on July 2. The organization held Triana back from the Dominican Summer League and instead opted to have him play in the unofficial Tricky League.
SCOUTING REPORT: Triana brings plus raw power to the plate with the ability to hit the ball out of any part of the park. He is strong and well built at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. Even with his power potential, Triana's swing is more geared towards hard line drives. Thought he worked out at third base, Triana is a pure first baseman with the solid footwork and hands to project as an above-average defender down the road. He has a solid arm and runs well underway, which could allow him to play a corner outfield spot from time to time if necessary.
THE FUTURE: Triana has a chance to become an everyday first baseman if his power continues to develop. Already 20 years old, he should jump to the U.S. at some point in 2020. -
16. Noah Davis | RHPBorn: Apr 22, 1997Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 195Drafted/Signed: UC Santa Barbara, 2018 (11th round).Signed By: Rick Ingalls.Minors: 1-3 | 3.19 ERA | 35 SO | 13 BB | 43 IP
TRACK RECORD: Davis had Tommy John surgery that March after just two starts and fell out of top-10 rounds consideration. The Reds' were intrigued by his upside and signed him for $127,500 after taking him in the 11th round. Davis had a successful rehab process and got back on the mound in 2019. He stretched out to pitch two five-inning outings in the month of August, posting a 2.49 ERA that month to close out the season.
SCOUTING REPORT: Davis is known for his competitive nature and attack-first mentality. His fastball topped out at 96 mph after his surgery, sitting more in the 90-93 mph range with good life. He already shows an advanced feel for his potentially plus changeup, which has good deception and movement off his fastball. Davis has two breaking pitches, a curveball and slider, but they tend to blend and he will need to focus on one for it to improve. He tends to walk batters and lose the strike zone at times, projecting for fringe-average control at best.
THE FUTURE: Davis' pure stuff and ability to attack hitters should help him move through the Reds' system as a starter. His health will determine his ultimate ceiling. -
17. Packy Naughton | LHPBorn: Apr 16, 1996Bats: R Throws: LHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 195Drafted/Signed: Virginia Tech, 2017 (9th round).Signed By: Jeff Brookens (Reds).Minors: 11-12 | 3.32 ERA | 131 SO | 35 BB | 157 IP
TRACK RECORD: Naughton logged a 6.93 ERA in three years at Virginia Tech, but the Reds liked his stuff from the left side and drafted him in the ninth round in 2017. Naughton rewarded that faith as one of the system's most durable starters the last two years. He pitched more than 150 innings for the second straight season in 2019 and reached Double-A Chattanooga.
SCOUTING REPORT: Naughton works from a slightly funky, low-three-quarters arm slot that adds deception to his pitch mix. Naughton throws his fastball in the low-90s with average command despite his arm slot. His main weapon is his plus changeup, which has excellent deception, depth and armside run off of his heater. Naughton can spin a breaking ball with some shape, but it isn't nearly as effective as his other two offerings. He is able to repeat his arm slot despite his delivery and has developed above-average control as a professional.
THE FUTURE: Naughton's durability, pitch-mix and control give him a chance to stick as a back-of-the rotation starter. His stuff and arm slot give him a fallback as a lefty reliever. -
18. T.J. Friedl | OFBorn: Aug 4, 1995Bats: L Throws: LHt.: 5'10" Wt.: 180Drafted/Signed: Nevada, 2016 (NDFA).Signed By: Rich Bordi/Sam Grossman.Minors: .235/.347/.385 | 5 HR | 13 SB | 226 AB
TRACK RECORD: Friedl put on a show with Team USA's Collegiate National team in 2016 after being overlooked as a draft-eligible sophomore earlier that summer. The Reds signed him for $735,000 afterhis Team USA performance, the largest bonus ever given to an undrafted player. After quickly climbing to Double-A, Friedl went on the injured list three times during the 2019 season and was limited to just 65 games. He suffered a shoulder injury in April after sliding head-first into a base and battled right ankle tendinitis that ultimately ended his season on July 4.
SCOUTING REPORT: Friedl is an undersized outfielder who knows his game. He uses a crouched, slightly closed stance at the plate with a swing built for contact, although he ran into trouble with strikeouts in the Southern League. He doesn't have much of strength and projects for below-average power. Friedl has plus speed and steals a fair amount of bases. He has above-average range in the outfield with a fringy arm that makes him best in either left or center field.
THE FUTURE: Health will be paramount for Friedl in 2020. His leadership skills and athletic ability give him a chance to carve out a role as a reserve outfielder. -
19. Joel Kuhnel | RHPBorn: Feb 19, 1995Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 280Drafted/Signed: Texas-Arlington, 2016 (11th round).Signed By: Byron Ewing.Minors: 5-3 | 2.18 ERA | 50 SO | 16 BB | 54 IP
TRACK RECORD: A starter at Texas-Arlington, Kuhnel promptly moved to the bullpen after the Reds drafted him in the 11th round and signed him for $125,000 in 2016. He steadily climbed the minors and made his major league debut in 2019, although his control became more erratic the higher he rose.
SCOUTING REPORT: Kuhnel's main weapon is a fastball that sits 96-97 mph and can touch 100. It's a premium fastball with a high spin rate and late life in the zone, although he struggled to throw it for strikes during his brief time in the majors. Kuhnel complements his heater with a hard mid-80s slider that can hit the low-90s. Like his fastball, however, his slider plays below its velocity due to his fringy control. It's an average pitch that still ranks ahead of his rarely-used changeup, which is firm in the upper 80s and flashes average.
THE FUTURE: Kuhnel should get more innings in the Reds' bullpen in 2020. His fastball will help him to stick as a seventh-inning option if he can throw it more often for strikes. -
20. Yan Contreras | SSBorn: Jan 30, 2001Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 185Drafted/Signed: HS--Aguadilla, P.R, 2019 (12th round).Signed By: Hector Otero.Minors: .145/.298/.217 | 0 HR | 4 SB | 69 AB
TRACK RECORD: Contreras signed for $249,000 as a 12th-round pick in 2019, turning down a commitment to San Jacinto (Texas) JC to turn pro. Known more for his defensive profile, Contreras showed enough with the bat to convince the Reds to draft him and pay him an overslot signing bonus, but he struggled to hit in the Rookie-level Arizona League before having his season cut short by a wrist injury.
SCOUTING REPORT: Despite his poor offensive performance in his pro debut, Contreras shows a balanced swing with the ability to use all fields. He will grow into some power, although he still figures to hit for average over power as he matures. Contreras' above-average speed is an asset on both offense and defense. His hands and arm are both plus for shortstop and he shows good range for the position. He has smooth actions in the field, which will help him to stick on the left side of the infield.
THE FUTURE: Contreras will hope for a clean bill of health in 2020. His actions up the middle and arm strength should help him stay at shortstop, though it's a very light bat profile. -
21. Jared Solomon | RHPBorn: Jun 10, 1997Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 192Drafted/Signed: Lackawanna (Pa.) JC, 2017 (11th round).Signed By: Lee Seras.Minors: 3-11 | 3.98 ERA | 111 SO | 61 BB | 116 IP
TRACK RECORD: Solomon posted a lackluster season at Lackawanna (Pa.) JC in 2017, but his arm strength intrigued the Reds enough to draft him in the 11th round and give him an overslot $207,500 bonus. After pitching well at the Rookie levels, Solomon split 2019 between low Class A Dayton and high Class A Daytona and recorded nearly a strikeout an inning, but also struggled with walks.
SCOUTING REPORT: Solomon has a classic four-pitch mix, working primarily with a low-to-mid 90s fastball that has touched 97 mph. He throws it for strikes and mixes it with a hard slider that has lateral shape in the mid-80s and projects as average. Solomon can also spin a curveball in the upper-70s, but it lags behind the slider. At times his changeup is too firm to be effective, but it shows the movement necessary to project as average and is better than his breaking stuff. Solomon has had difficulty with walks throughout his career and projects to have fringe-average control. Besides arm strength and a four-pitch mix, Reds' executives applaud Solomon's makeup and work ethic.
THE FUTURE: Solomon has the ingredients to start, but he must improve his control in 2020. -
22. Tejay Antone | RHPBorn: Dec 5, 1993Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 205Drafted/Signed: Weatherford (Texas) JC, 2014 (5th round).Signed By: Byron Ewing.Minors: 11-12 | 4.00 ERA | 133 SO | 53 BB | 147 IP
TRACK RECORD: A 22nd-round pick of the Mets out of high school, Antone spent one year at Texas Christian before transferring to Weatherford (Texas) JC. The Reds picked him in the fifth round in 2014 and signed him for $308,400. Antone's ascent was interrupted by Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2017 season, but he steadily climbed the ladder after he returned and finished 2019 at Triple-A.
SCOUTING REPORT: Antone is known for his competitive nature and pitchability. His fastball sits in the low 90s and tops out at 93 mph, but he consistently pours it into the strike zone to keep batters on the defensive. His main secondary is a curveball that has good shape and projects to be an average pitch. Antone can also spin a fringe-average slider to give hitters a different look, and his average changeup helps him to get hitters off his fastball and induce soft contact on the ground. His above-average control helps him survive despite the lack of a plus pitch.
THE FUTURE: The Reds added Antone to their 40-man roster after the season. He is set to be starting rotation depth or a long man out of the bullpen. -
23. Ivan Johnson | SS/2BBorn: Oct 11, 1998Bats: B Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 190Drafted/Signed: Chipola (Fla.) JC, 2019 (4th round).Signed By: John Poloni.Minors: .255/.327/.415 | 6 HR | 11 SB | 188 AB
TRACK RECORD: After struggling his freshman year at Georgia, Johnson transferred to Chipola (Fla.) JC and led the team in every major offensive category in 2019. The Reds drafted him in the fourth round and signed him for $397,500. Johnson reported to Rookie-level Greenville after signing and showed the ability to play both shortstop and second base.
SCOUTING REPORT: Johnson has a long swing at times, but his quick hands handle velocity well from both sides of the plate. There are concerns regarding his swing-and-miss which places an average ceiling on his future hit tool. His frame has filled out some and has added strength to his swing which projects to have average power as he matures. Johnson is an above-average runner and handles both middle infield positions well, although executives think he is best suited for second base due to his average arm strength. His glove projects as average but is sturdy enough to move around the diamond and be effective.
THE FUTURE: There isn't a carrying tool present in Johnson's profile, but his all-around skillset has the ceiling of a second-division regular. -
24. Hendrik Clementina | CBorn: Jun 17, 1997Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'0" Wt.: 250Signed By: Rolando Chirino/Patrick Guerrero/Bob Engle (Dodgers).Minors: .249/.296/.411 | 14 HR | 1 SB | 338 AB
TRACK RECORD: Clementina signed with the Dodgers for $50,000 in 2013 and spent four years in Rookie ball before the Reds acquired him for Tony Cingrani at the 2017 trade deadline. After showing power in his full-season debut in 2018, Clementina hit 14 home runs in the Florida State League.
SCOUTING REPORT: Clementina's calling card is his near top-of-the-scale power. He grinds out at-bats, but he has an inconsistent approach and doesn't make enough contact to be more than fringe-average as a hitter. His physically mature body limits his mobility as a catcher. Even though his arm is average, he threw out just 14 percent of would-be base stealers. His has strong hands but needs to improve his receiving skills.
THE FUTURE: Clementina's defense needs more reps, but his power may help him hit enough home runs to stick in a backup role in the majors. He'll move to Double-A in 2020. -
25. Mariel Bautista | OFBorn: Oct 15, 1997Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'3" Wt.: 194Signed By: Richard Jimenez.Minors: .240/.309/.341 | 8 HR | 23 SB | 405 AB
TRACK RECORD: Bautista signed with the Reds for $60,000 and hit above .300 for three straight seasons at the Rookie levels, giving the Reds the belief they had a steal. But Bautista moved to the low Class A Midwest League in 2019 and was overmatched in full-season ball, posting a .635 OPS at Dayton and missing time with a shoulder issue.
SCOUTING REPORT: Bautista still has plenty of high-impact tools. Evaluators are enamored with his athleticism and projectable, wiry frame. He has plus bat speed and plus raw power, but he lacks feel for situations at the plate and had the swing-and-miss to his game exposed by better pitching. He is a plus runner with an average arm and plays a fine center field, though he may slow down as he fills out his frame.
THE FUTURE: Bautista's lack of feel for the game is concerning, but he has tools to work with and grow into. He will start 2020 back in the Midwest League. -
26. James Marinan | RHPBorn: Oct 10, 1998Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'5" Wt.: 239Signed By: Adrian Casanova (Dodgers).Minors: 2-9 | 5.56 ERA | 48 SO | 30 BB | 80 IP
TRACK RECORD: The Dodgers drafted Marinan in the fourth round and signed him for $822,500 in 2017 after he morphed from an interesting two-way prospect to a hard-throwing pitching prospect as a high school senior. The Reds acquired him one year later with reliever Aneurys Zabala in exchange for relievers Dylan Floro and Zach Neal. Marinan jumped to full-season ball in 2019 and struggled, posting a 5.56 ERA in 17 starts with low Class A Dayton.
SCOUTING REPORT: Marinan's fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 95 mph with sink. He is able to spin a curveball that has some depth, but it is inconsistent and needs refinement. Marinan's third offering is a changeup he shows nascent feel for and could become average in time. Control has been an issue for Marinan, whose large 6-foot-5 frame has caused him difficulty repeating his three-quarters arm slot.
THE FUTURE: Marinan's arm strength and feel for two secondary pitches give him potential, but only if he can rein in his control. He'll see high Class A Daytona in 2020. -
27. Debby Santana | 3BBorn: Aug 24, 2000Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'2" Wt.: 185Signed By: Richard Jimenez.Minors: .310/.327/.410 | 1 HR | 0 SB | 100 AB
TRACK RECORD: Santana got off to a hot start in pro ball after signing with the Reds for $70,000 during the 2016 international signing period. He excelled in the Dominican Summer League and was making strides in his second year in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019, but a nagging hip issue limited him to just 25 games.
SCOUTING REPORT: Santana is extremely raw but has shown he can hit. He has plus bat speed and a loose, whippy swing, but he does chase outside of the zone. His hit tool projects as above-average and shows growing power, which could be plus as he matures. Santana is gifted with a strong throwing arm that has natural carry, but his fringe-average glove may force him to move across the diamond from third base to first base.
THE FUTURE: While he is raw, Santana has considerable upside to his offensive game. He's a long way away, but has a chance to emerge as a bat-first regular. -
28. Ibandel Isabel | 1BBorn: Jun 20, 1995Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'4" Wt.: 225Signed By: Bob Engle/Patrick Guerrero (Dodgers).Minors: .243/.307/.518 | 26 HR | 0 SB | 334 AB
TRACK RECORD: Isabel signed with the Dodgers for $80,000 at 17 and grew into one of minor league baseball's most prolific home run hitters, as well as one of its easiest players to strike out. The Reds acquired him with reliever Zach Neal for Ariel Hernandez in April 2018. Isabel hit a Florida State Leaguerecord 35 home runs that year and led the Double-A Southern League with 26 home runs in 2019, but he also struck out a combined 314 times in those two seasons.
SCOUTING REPORT: Isabel has top-of-the-scale raw power and can hit the ball out of any ballpark. He has plus bat speed, but with a lot of moving parts to his swing, he frequently swings through pitches in the strike zone and has a penchant for chasing pitches out of the zone. When he connects he hits gargantuan home runs, but his max-effort swing and its resulting holes are problematic. Once a butcher in the field, Isabel has grown coordinated enough to handle first base and has an average arm. He committed just one error in 414.1 innings at the position in 2019.
THE FUTURE: Ibandel strikes out far too much to be a regular, but he might be an interesting power bat off the bench. He'll see Triple-A Louisville in 2020. -
29. Jacob Heatherly | LHPBorn: May 20, 1998Bats: L Throws: LHt.: 6'1" Wt.: 215Signed By: Jim Moran.Minors: 1-2 | 8.31 ERA | 10 SO | 6 BB | 9 IP
TRACK RECORD: The Reds plucked Heatherly in the third round of the 2017 draft and signed him for an above-slot $1.047 million. He flashed high-quality stuff but also walked more than a batter per inning at Rookie-level Greeneville in 2018, then made only four starts for low Class A Dayton in 2019 before shoulder soreness ended his season.
SCOUTING REPORT: Heatherly uses a repeatable, compact delivery but doesn't have good control, some of which is due to his scarce time spent on the mound due to injury. He is armed with a fastball that ranges from 92-95 mph and tops out at 97 with life. Heatherly has the ability to spin the ball effectively, flashing a curveball that at times is near top-of-the-scale. His slider is behind his curveball but flashes average at times, while he shows feel for a changeup that is his decided fourth pitch.
THE FUTURE: With control issues hampering his success as a starter, Heatherly is destined for the bullpen. His fastball-curveball mix could play up as a late-inning power lefthander. -
30. Ryan Hendrix | RHPBorn: Dec 16, 1994Bats: R Throws: RHt.: 6'3" Wt.: 185Signed By: Byron Ewing.Minors: 4-0 | 1.85 ERA | 31 SO | 8 BB | 25 IP
TRACK RECORD: Control problems caused Hendrix to lose the closer's role at Texas A&M to his junior season. The Reds still selected the hard-throwing righthander in the fifth round because of his arm strength and ability to spin a breaking ball. Hendricks posted a 1.76 ERA at high Class A Daytona in 2018 and appeared primed to rocket up the system in 2019, but an elbow strain knocked him out for more than two months and limited him to 16 appearances at Double-A Chattanooga.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hendrix has premium arm strength with a fastball that can reach 97 mph. His main secondary weapon is a curveball that flashes plus-plus with late downward snap. It shows the ability to miss bats and put hitters away, although he lacks consistent command of it. Hendrix has a head whack in his delivery which can cause his control to waver from time to time. His third offering is a firm changeup that lags behind his other two offerings.
THE FUTURE: A clean bill of health would go a long way for Hendrix in 2020. If he can iron out his control issues, he has a chance to become a seventh-inning reliever.