Cincinnati Reds: Five players likely to make their big league debut in 2020

5. Narciso Crook, Outfielder

Perhaps the best player in the Reds farm system you’ve never heard of is Narciso Crook. A 23rd-round pick in 2013, Crook is still just 24-years old. After an injury-plagued start to his career, Crook finally put together back-to-back healthy seasons. Last season, Crook made it to Triple-A Louisville and put up an OPS of .812 in 84 games for the Bats.

Of all the players listed, I think Crook has the best chance to make his big league debut in 2020. The right-handed hitting native of the Dominican Republic put up very nice stats in Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville last season. Crook slashed .277/.332/.474 with 22 doubles, 8 triples, 10 home runs and 41 RBIs between the two stops.

Narciso Crook’s .812 OPS at Triple-A Louisville was lost among the other fantastic performances from Josh VanMeter, Brian O’Grady and Aristides Aquino during their time with the Bats last season. But, Crook finally realized his potential in terms of power, hitting double-digit homers for the first time in his minor league career.

Crook profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder, but with so many of the Reds out of minor league options, the prospects of Aquino, Ervin, Scott Schebler, Mark Payton and Travis Jankowski all remaining on the 40-man roster seem bleak. Narciso Crook could find his place on the roster and receive a call-up sometime throughout the 2020 season.

There are a few other players on the Cincinnati Reds roster who could make their major league debut in 2020, but these five players top the list. Obviously, Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama will make his big league debut this season as well. Akiyama hit a single during his first at-bat in the Reds Cactus League opener yesterday.