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Cincinnati Reds: Three prospects looking to impress during spring camp

ByDrew Koch|
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Hats and gloves of the Cincinnati Reds sit in the dugout between innings of the Reds game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Hats and gloves of the Cincinnati Reds sit in the dugout between innings of the Reds game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 22: Detail shot of a bat and glove on the field before the Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins game at SunTrust Park on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

2. Jose Garcia, Shortstop

There is a lot of internal hype surrounding shortstop prospect Jose Garcia. It’s time for the 21-year-old to prove if he’s for real. Garcia received a non-roster invite to spring training. His offense finally caught up with is defense season at Advanced-A Daytona last season, and a strong showing during his time in Goodyear could elevate his status within the organization even more.

Currently ranked No. 9 in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline, Garcia has always been well-regarded for his glove. Last season at Advanced-A Daytona, Garcia showed that he could produce at the plate as well. Garcia slashed .280/.343/.436 for the Tortugas following a 2018 season at Dayton that saw him put up just a .634 OPS.

Garcia also has speed. While that ability helps the rangy shortstop track down balls up the middle of the infield, he’s also swiped 28 bases thus far in his minor league career. Garcia refined that ability a bit more last season, stealing 15 bags and was only caught twice. Having lost Billy Hamilton and José Peraza the past two seasons, the Reds are hurting for speed on the base paths.

Jose Garcia still has a lot left to accomplish at the minor league level. He’s yet to play an inning in Double-A, but is likely to begin the 2020 season in Chattanooga. Garcias’ projected major league debut is 2021, which may be why the Reds haven’t been exceedingly active in the trade market for such shortstops as Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager.

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