Cincinnati Reds plan on Nick Senzel and Hunter Greene to be dynamic duo on left side of infield for years to come

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Hunter Greene to partner with last year’s #2 overall pick Nick Senzel on left side of infield.

When the Cincinnati Reds announced that #2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Hunter Greene, was going to be directed towards playing shortstop with pitching as the back-up many were stunned.  Aside from having good depth at shortstop, Greene looked like a sure thing on the mound.  Looking at the Reds’ depth chart, though, the plan suddenly comes into focus.

No one is a guarantee, but first round draft picks have a tendency to develop into big league players more than anyone else.  Looking at the Reds’ first round picks starting with Robert Stephenson in 2011 and getting more recent, you can see something forming.  Since 2011, the Reds have taken four pitchers, two starters and two relievers.

Nick Travieso and Stephenson still appear to be on the road to the starting rotation.  Meanwhile, Michael Lorenzen and Nick Howard appear bullpen bound.  Lorenzen could end up in the rotation, but he looks like the future closer getting set-up by Howard.

Want your voice heard? Join the Blog Red Machine team!

Write for us!

The Reds also have the catching position wrapped up.  Tyler Stephenson is big league ready defensively, but is working on his offense and refining his pitch calling.  He should be up by the start of 2019 when the rebuild may be a thing of the past.

That leaves the position player plan for the Cincinnati Reds, including the pair of #2 picks for the infield.

More from Reds Prospects

• Reds: Underdog hurler James Marinan flashing brilliance at High-A Dayton
• Reds: Joe Boyle has an absurd strikeout-rate after punching out 10 batters
• Reds prospect: Rece Hinds finding his power after prolonged stint on IL
• Reds prospects: Bryce Bonnin excelling at every minor league level
• 3 Reds prospects who should not be added when rosters expand

Two of the three outfielders have already made their MLB debuts.  Phillip Ervin and Jesse Winker will likely be the corner outfielders with last year’s 35th pick overall, Taylor Trammell in center.  Winker could be back up at anytime, but Trammell is still a few years away.

Which brings us to the trio of infielders that the Reds have recently taken in the first round.  In addition to Senzel and Greene, the Reds also recently drafted Alex Blandino as a shortstop.  With the drafting of Greene, Blandino will likely end up as a second baseman for the Reds.

The Reds have other, defensive options at shortstop throughout the system in Alfredo Rodriguez and Zach Vincej.  Rodriguez appears to be a potential Gold Glove level defensive player.  Vincej is a plus defender with a better offensive game.

Next: Recapping 2017 draft beyond Hunter Greene

The Reds have a plan in place for the next generation.  They have a whole force in the pipeline.  In the meantime, we can watch Joey Votto in amazement.