Cincinnati Reds: The youngsters are producing at the major league level

The Cincinnati Reds dismantled the Chicago Cubs last night. The Reds had a lot of contributions from those recently promoted from Triple-A Louisville.

Aristides Aquino was the headliner from the Cincinnati Reds 10-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Punisher powered three home runs over the wall and finished 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs. But, Aquino was not alone last night. In fact, several of his current teammates were on the Reds Triple-A roster to begin the season.

There must be something in the water down in Louisville, Kentucky. Often criticized for their lack of developing players, the Reds sent five former Louisville Bats onto the field last night. The four position players went 8-for-15 (.533) with 2 doubles, 4 home runs, and 5 RBIs.

Outside of Nick Senzel, the Reds don’t have any regulars who’ve come up from Triple-A Louisville this season. However, with his recent play, there’s no way that Aquino will not be considered a fixture in the starting lineup going forward. Even Josh VanMeter has received a lot of playing time recently.

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On the season, 11 players that began their season at Triple-A Louisville have seen action this season at the major league level. Four of those players, Senzel, VanMeter, Brian O’Grady, and Jimmy Herget, made their big league debuts this season. Aquino received a sip of coffee with the Reds last season, striking out in his only major league at-bat.

It’s not just the position players that are making some noise, as the Reds have received a boost from those pitchers that started the season down I-71 as well. Sal Romano just picked up his second save of the season last night, albeit with a 10 run lead. The Reds have also received solid contributions from Matt Bowman and Lucas Sims.

There are several other players on the current Bats roster who could see some action later this year. Jose Siri, who recently received a promotion from Double-A Chattanooga, could make his major league debut later this season when the rosters expand in September. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Keury Mella, Joel Kuhnel, or Vladimir Gutierrez hear their name called as well.

All of this is very refreshing to see, as several of these young players could be cornerstones of the Cincinnati Reds franchise going forward. Senzel and Aquino already look to have a spot on the 25-man roster locked up heading into next season, and VanMeter is certainly in the mix to be the team’s starting second baseman in 2020.

Provided Cody Reed returns t form following the knee injury that has sidelined him, the left-hander will surely be counted on next season. Romano looks like the perfect right-handed compliment to Reed, and the two could form a solid lefty-righty duo out of the Reds bullpen next season.

Cincinnati will never be big spenders in free agency, so it’s important for the Reds to do what we’ve seen them do this season; develop young talent. Kudos to Jody Davis and his coaching staff down at Triple-A Louisville. They’ve done a fine job getting these young players ready to produce at the highest level.