Cincinnati Reds have one of the best collections of young talents

The major league roster may need work for the Cincinnati Reds, but the young talent is present across multiple levels.

This off-season MLB Pipeline ranked the Cincinnati Reds minor league system 8th in the majors.  That speaks directly to the talent in the minors. However, the Reds also have young talent on their major league roster, as well.

A large reason that the Reds ranked so high with MLB Pipeline is last year’s first round pick Hunter Greene.  He was was two-way player in high school. As a professional, though, Greene projects as a top-line pitcher similar to Doc Gooden.

At the other end of the developmental process is 2016 second overall pick Nick Senzel.  He was in camp with the Reds and made his case for the starting shortstop role.  He looked competent, but not spectacular this spring.

Another player in camp with the Reds was second base prospect Shed Long.  In 2017 Long both showed that he was a true prospect and that he was closer to a final project than the team thought heading into the season.  Long looked over matched this spring after playing in Dayton in 2015 and 2016 before moving on up.

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The Reds also have Taylor Trammel, whom they selected in the same draft as Nick Senzel.  Trammell is likely to start the season in Double-A Pensacola, but could start at Daytona Beach.  He projects as a lead-off hitter, but still is rough around the edges defensively.

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In addition to the batters, the Cincinnati Reds also have numerous pitching prospects.

The top pitching prospect is Tyler Mahle.  He doesn’t have the high number of strikeouts that many top prospects do.  Even though he had a strong debut in 2017, Mahle will likely start 2017 in Louisville.

Another top pitching prospect that made his MLB debut last season was Luis Castillo.  Castiloo rose from Double-A last season to challenging for the opening day start this spring.  He is over a year ahead of schedule and looks ready to stay.

That top relief prospect is Ariel Hernandez.  He projects as a major league closer later in his career.  He debuted last season and has strikeout stuff.

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The Reds have several prospects that could make their debuts in Cincinnati this season.  They have several other prospects that could be taxied up and down between Cincinnati and Louisville this spring.  It is just a matter of time before the 8th ranked minor league system becomes the 8th ranked MLB team.