Cam Collier's improved work habits won't alter his future with the Reds

While there are certainly numerous position battles going on as part of Cincinnati Reds spring training, there are also several prospects who are merely getting their feet wet. As is customary this time of year, several up-and-coming young players within the organization received non-roster invites to spring training.

It's rare that any of these players actually make the Reds Opening Day roster, but the added exposure gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents against major league competition. Prospects like Chase Petty, Edwin Arroyo, and Chase Burns are all part of big-league camp this spring.

Another one of the Reds top prospects, Cam Collier, also received a non-roster invite to spring training and has seen some time on the diamond during the early-going. Collier is a former first-round pick and most outlets view the young slugger as a top-100 prospect.

Cam Collier's future with the Reds should be at first base

Collier faced some harsh criticism from one of the top talent evaluators earlier this offseason. The Athletic's Keith Law viewed the Reds prospect as out of shape, but Collier has reportedly changed some habits that got him in trouble last season.

During his visit to Goodyear, Arizona last week, Reds reporter Charlie Goldsmith spoke with Collier. The 20-year-old received some valuable feedback from the Reds development staff. “I went into the offseason a bit overweight,” Collier said. “They told me at instructs make sure you come in next year in shape and can play over a lot of games. I cut out the fast food, the sweet stuff and the snacks."

That's good news for those Reds fans who feared that Collier had developed some bad habits. But despite the changes he's made, Collier is likely to be tabbed as a first baseman heading into the 2025 season. Goldsmith mentioned that Collier had been putting in more work at the position during spring training, and the Reds would be wise to make the move sooner rather than later.

Reds prospect Sal Stewart could be Cam Collier's biggest threat to playing third base

Collier's minor league experience to date has been at the hot corner, but fellow first-rounder and top prospect Sal Stewart has been getting in reps at third base as well. Stewart's plate discipline is well documented, and could help launch him into the big leagues sooner rather than later.

The Reds need to shift Collier's focus to first base now to help avoid the type of issue the club is currently facing. Cincinnati is overloaded on third basemen and have Gavin Lux, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, and Noelvi Marte all competing for playing time. Competition is great, but first base shouldn't just be handed over to the second-place finisher of this spring's position battle.

The Reds had a solid presence at first base for nearly two decades during Joey Votto's tenure, and it will soon be time to hand the keys over to Collier. Look for the Reds' young prospect to log more playing time at first base in 2025, and hopefully be knocking on the big league door next spring.

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