Cincinnati Reds: Nick Lodolo ranked among top left-handed prospects

Last year’s first-round draft pick, Nick Lodolo, is finding his name among some of the best prospects. The Cincinnati Reds lefty ranks very high heading into 2020.

The Cincinnati Reds saw six position players come off the board last summer before grabbing left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. That selection has the potential to pay big dividends, and fast, as Lodolo is ranked among the best left-handed hurlers in MLB Pipeline’s latest prospects rankings.

Earlier this winter, the Reds signed left-hander Wade Miley to a two-year/$12M contract. Packy Naughton, another southpaw, put together a solid season in Double-A, but neither player offers the long-term success that Lodolo could find in the majors.

Lodolo comes in at No. 5 among all left-handed prospects according to MLB Pipeline. Fellow lefties, Brendan McKay, Mackenzie Gore, Jesus Luzardo, and Tarik Skubal best Lodolo on the list, with A.J. Puk and Daniel Lynch.

Nick Lodolo shows signs of being a quick learner, and perhaps could see time at the major league level later this year. Lodolo played just eight minor league games last season, putting up a combined 2.45 ERA in just 18.1 innings. Because of playing college ball at TCU, his low number of innings pitched should not come as a surprise to anyone.

That said, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for Lodolo to begin the season at Advanced-A Daytona, however, a return to Single-A Dayton for a few games is quite possible as well. Either way, if he progresses the way most scouts expect, don’t be shocked to see Nick Lodolo make it to Triple-A Louisville later this season with a chance for a September call-up to Cincinnati.

In terms of best prospects in the Reds organization, expect right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene to maintain the top spot on the list. However, Greene’s absence from the field in 2019 due to Tommy John surgery may see the 20-year-old tumble down the rankings a bit. Greene is expected to return the mound later this season if all goes well in his rehab.

Lodolo and Green represent the best prospects within the Reds organization. Infielder Jonathan India is also among the top young talents in the farm system, and is one of the best third base prospects in baseball. While not stacked with talent, the Reds minor league system is gaining some solid pieces for the future.