The Cincinnati Reds are Rebuilding, How Well is it Going?
After Saturday night’s disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Reds seeped back into sub—.500 baseball for the second time already this season. Most of Cincinnati collectively agree that the Reds have been less than stellar over the previous 10 years. Since 2013’s postseason loss to the Pirates, the Reds sport a 597-766 overall record, which is not great. This 10-year stretch includes one postseason appearance (which happened during the COVID-19 year, and Cincinnati only made it because of the expanded playoff) and two winning seasons.
Most would assume the Reds have been in rebuild mode for a while now. They’d be wrong. The management has failed to acquire high-end prospects or has failed to develop the prospects they DO have. President Phil Castellini has all but shoved his leg in his mouth numerous times, including a comment made in April of last year. He said, “Well, where you gonna go? Let’s start there. I mean, sell the team to who? – So, be careful what you ask for. I think we’re doing the best we can do with the resources that we have.”
Well Mr. Castellini, looking at pictures of Opening Day, it seems like they’re not going anywhere.
These comments do not sound like a president that is almost 200 games under .500 in the last decade, not even close. Castellini constantly points the blame toward fans, reflecting accountability from his own family. Additionally, many Reds fans point to the trades of previous stars as points of contention. Players such as Luis Castillo, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez, Sonny Gray, and Tyler Mahle have all left the Reds via trade. Former All-Star Nick Castellanos practically begged Cincinnati to offer him, but the Castellini’s booted the right fielder all the way to Philadelphia.
Mr. De La Cruz, please report to GAB
As someone that practically grew up at Great American Ballpark and saw Jay Bruce hit the NL Central clinching bomb against Houston in 2010, it’s time to bring that magic back. According to MLB.com, the Reds have the #5 farm system in all of major league baseball. Of course, this is all credit to Nick Krall, the Reds GM, who gets a ton of hate for trading stars. However, this has led to a farm system that sports the #8 prospect in all of baseball, shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
The Dominican Republic product may be the most electrifying hitter in the minors, with pop from both sides of the plate and an arm that scouts drool over. He could be wearing red and white as early as this season, and if all things go to plan, this will be huge for the Redlegs.
MLB.com adds this in their evaluation of De La Cruz, “There are few prospects more dynamic than De La Cruz, both in terms of his five-tool potential and the joy and passion he brings to his game. The switch-hitter’s plus bat speed has been amplified as he’s added strength, and he has legitimate plus power, especially from the left side of the plate.”
Great American will be bumping when De La Cruz takes his first steps into the plate. For now, you can see De La Cruz in Louisville crushing it with the Bats when he makes his return from injury next week.
A good farm system is key
Along with him, the Reds have multiple shortstop prospects in the MLB top 100. Noelvi Marte is the 27th-ranked prospect in baseball and is only 21 years old. The 6’0, 216-pound Dominican Republic shortstop was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for Luis Castillo. After showing great power and a plus arm in Dayton last season, Marte has moved to AA and over to third base. The position change allows Marte and De La Cruz to play together at the next level.
David Bell spoke on the move in spring training saying, “I do think third base is the right spot for him. Can he play short? Probably. He has done it. I think he’s going to find a home at third base. I love the actions he has there, he has plenty of arm. I think it’s going to be a good home.”
Marte’s ETA is listed as 2024 on the MLB website, but he could be brought up with the September call-ups this season.
Along with Marte, 19-year-old Edwin Arroyo is another shortstop prospect that falls within the top 50. Arroyo was also acquired in the Castillo deal and is setting scouts ablaze. He may have the best glove at the position and a great arm.
MLB.com says, “Still only 19 years old for nearly all of the 2023 season, Arroyo has the chance to be a dynamic up-the-middle player. He swings the bat well from both sides of the plate and was productive each way, showing the ability to make hard contact with a line-drive approach.”
In addition, Arroyo has the highest ceiling defensively of the three, which could cause De La Cruz to end up in center field with his elite speed.
You can never have too many shortstops
Matt McClain is another shortstop prospect that will crack the majors in the coming years. The UCLA product shows excellent speed and an elite glove. He hits well for contact but has yet to be able to produce much power in the minors. However, McClain will be essential due to his versatility.
MLB.com says, “McLain’s speed has played well as a pro and that should continue to be an asset. He also showed he can handle shortstop with a solid arm, good range and excellent instincts. He also played a very good second base, which might be the best fit long-term.”
However, with Jonathan India locking up that spot for the foreseeable future, McClain will likely end up elsewhere.
The second most exciting player in this farm system has to be Cam Collier. The son of former MLB utility player Lou Collier, Cam has been flying up prospect boards. He was the Reds’ 18th pick in last season’s draft out of high school and was signed above draft value. Collier has insane power for an 18-year-old and is already playing single-A baseball. He also sits at 66th in the MLB prospect ranking… as an 18-year-old.
Look for the lefty to be cranking bombs into the Ohio River by 2025.
Chase Petty, Sal Stewart, and Brandon Williamson headline the Reds pitching prospects. However, none are too highly touted, with Petty being the best of the bunch. Odds are, one of the three works out and adds to an already stacked Reds rotation.
Keep your players
Now, with all of that being said, one thing is crucial: keep your talent. As seen previously, the Reds are unafraid to let talent find greener pastures. However, the Reds have never had the young talent that they do now.
Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson, Spencer Steer, and Graham Ashcraft are essential. Keep these guys around, and a contender could appear. Greene may be the most electrifying young pitcher in baseball, and India and Stephenson can MASH. If some of the above prospects can turn out, Cincinnati may be right again. However, the Reds must add more pitching prospects and outfield depth, as both are glaring holes in the organization. Cincinnati is ready to be on fire; they’re just waiting on the right team.
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