Cincinnati Reds: Aristides Aquino is showcasing his star potential

Cincinnati Reds rookie Aristides Aquino has burst onto the scene. Since the Reds traded Yasiel Puig, Aquino has seen the majority of starts in right field.

Since the Cincinnati Reds traded Yasiel Puig at this year’s trade deadline, Aristides Aquino has received six starts in seven games and has absolutely punished the baseball. Aquino is hitting .429 with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs. Nicknamed “The Punisher”, Aquino has always possesses raw tools, but recently he’s shown why he could be a potential star in the making.

Now, I know, it’s only been 21 major league at-bats, so there’s no need to go nuts. However, Aquino isn’t just some flash-in-the-pan prospect riding a hot streak. The 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic has been part of the Reds organization since 2011 and he has produced all season at Triple-A Louisville.

In 78 games for the Louisville Bats, Aquino slashed .299/.356/.636 with 28 home runs and 53 RBIs. Among the Reds regulars, no one on the 2019 squad has a slugging percentage above .578, and that’s Phillip Ervin who’s only received 102 at-bats this season. Eugenio Suárez has a slugging percentage of .523 on the season.

Much of the improvements we’ve seen this season from Aquino can be attributed to his redefined approach at the plate. In an article by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Aquino credits assistant hitting coach Donnie Ecker with much of his improvement at the plate. He spoke through an interpreter after last week’s game against the Braves in which he hit his first major league home run:

“I don’t think I have words to explain what I feel right now. But first of all, thanks to God for giving me the opportunity to be here, and thanks to Donnie Ecker. He really helped me out to have a better career and be a better hitter and be up here and do what I’m doing here.”

Aquino has the makeup of a future star. In fact, back in 2017, Aquino was considered one of the Reds top prospects. He was ranked No. 6 within the organization according to MLB Pipeline and was said to have a chance to be a five-tool player.

Aquino has shown the power, that’s for sure. His arm strength was on full display last night as well when he gunned down Nicholas Castellanos trying to turn a single into a double. He’s also got decent speed. If he can hit for average at the big league level, then he’s got the potential to be something very special.

We saw last night, that once Cubs pitchers began throwing sliders down and away, Aquino had a bit of a problem holding back his swing. If his plate discipline continues to improve, we’re looking at a solid replacement for Yasiel Puig in right field.

While I’m hesitant to go “all in”, Aristides Aquino has showcased a tremendous amount of talent so far. If he carries this level of play into the remainder of the season, the Cincinnati Reds outfield will be in great hands. Nick Senzel has already impressed and looks like he could stick as the team’s center fielder beyond just this season. Aquino might stick too.