Cincinnati Reds: Three prospects looking to impress during spring camp

A few of the Cincinnati Reds top prospects will arrive at Goodyear looking for a spot on the Opening Day roster. While a bit unlikely, these three have the best shot.

Most of the Cincinnati Reds roster is set. A few backup and bench roles may be up for grabs during spring training, along with a couple spots in the bullpen. However, an injury to one of the presumed starters or an outstanding showing by a non-roster invitee during camp could thrust an unknown into the spotlight. Is there a young prospect who could make the leap this spring?

The Reds have dealt some of their best prospects to other teams over the past two years. Taylor Trammell, Jeter Down, Josiah Gray and Shed Long are all wearing other jerseys. The Reds top prospect, Hunter Greene, underwent Tommy John surgery last year and missed all of the 2019 season.

However, the Reds still have several talented young players within their minor league system. Former first-round picks Jonathan India and Nick Lodolo will join the Reds in Goodyear this spring. Top five prospect Tony Santillan will be in Goodyear as well. One of the organization’s top young pitchers, Vladimir Gutierrez, as well as outfielder Stuart Fairchild will be in Arizona too.

Though Cincinnati’s Opening Day roster might just need a few tweaks and not a complete overhaul, some of the Reds young prospects will be working hard to impress the coaching staff. Whether they make the Opening Day roster or find themselves called up as the season progresses, a good showing during spring training could elevate these three players.

1. Tyler Stephenson, Catcher

If either Curt Casali or Tucker Barnhart succumb to injury during spring training, you’ll hear a lot of debate about the possibility of Tyler Stephenson breaking camp with the Cincinnati Reds. Though the 23-year-old has yet to play above Double-A, his skillset improved so much from 2018 to 2019 that a lot of scouts foresee Stephenson making the leap to the bigs this coming season.

Stephenson is one of the top catching prospects in all of baseball. While not finding his name among the Top 10 according to MLB Pipeline, a fantastic 2019 minor league season, coupled with a surprising outburst while playing in the Arizona Fall League, has Stephenson perched atop the best prospects within the Reds farm league system.

Injuries have slowed Stephenson’s progression, but a healthy 2019 season showed what the Georgia native was capable of. Stephenson slashed .285/.372/.410 with 44 RBIs. In 13 games with the Glendale Desert Dogs, Stephenson hit .347 with 7 doubles and a .908 OPS. The Reds would love to be able to discover that type of offensive production from the catcher’s position.

It’s highly doubtful that Tyler Stephenson breaks camp with the Reds, especially with Kyle Farmer‘s ability to take reps at the backstop. However, a solid showing this spring would setup Stephenson quite nicely for a run through Triple-A with a possible promotion on the horizon. Don’t be shocked if Stephenson makes his big league debut sometime in 2020.

3. Tejay Antone, Right-handed pitcher

Recently added to the 40-man roster, Tejay Antone had some success in the minor leagues last season. A former fifth-round pick, Antone began the 2019 season at Double-A Chattanooga before promoting to Triple-A Louisville after 13 starts for the Lookouts. While Antone isn’t as highly-touted as other pitchers within the organization, he has a lot of talent.

The Cincinnati Reds rotation appears to be set. With the addition of left-handed starter Wade Miley, the Reds have a talented group of starting pitchers ready to take the mound. Cy Young candidates Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray are joined by Trevor Bauer, and Anthony DeSclafani was among the Top 20 in the league in ERA and strikeouts last season.

So why all the hype around Antone when prospects like Packy Naughton, Tony Santillan and Vladimir Gutierrez rank higher in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline? It’s pretty simple, none of the aforementioned players have had close to the success that Antone has at the highest minor league level.

Naughton, who was a fantastic starter for Double-A Chattanooga last season, hasn’t made it to Triple-A yet, nor is part of the Reds 40-man roster. Naughton did not receive an invite to spring training either. Santillan struggles at Double-A last season, going 2-8 with a 4.84 ERA in 21 starts. As for Gutierrez, his jump from Double-A to Triple-A was not very smooth.

Antone missed all of the 2017 season following Tommy John surgery, but his performance last season helped cement his status as a prospect to keep an eye within the Reds organization. Tejay Antone may not be a household name yet, but strong showing in Triple-A to begin the season may help him warrant a September call-up or a spot start in 2020.