Cincinnati Reds 2020 MLB Draft: Three biggest needs

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SECAUCUS, NJ – JUNE 07: (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

What are the Reds biggest needs heading into the 2020 MLB Draft?

Need over value is not a mantra you’ll oftentimes hear in terms of the Major League Baseball Draft. While it’s not uncommon for teams in the NBA or NFL Draft to reach for a particular player due to “need” at a specific position, teams like the Cincinnati Reds often draft the best player available.

That said, the idea shouldn’t be lost on the Reds, or any team for that matter, that need is important as well. With Eugenio Suárez firmly entrenched at third base for years to come and one of the Reds top prospects, Jonathan India, playing the position as well, it would seem a bit foolish for Cincinnati to go after a third baseman with their first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft.

We saw the Reds switch former top prospect, Nick Senzel, to center field in an effort to get his bat in the lineup. Senzel, like India, is a third baseman by trade, but Cincinnati decided to transition last year’s rookie into an outfielder because he was blocked by Suárez at third base. Two of Cincinnati’s top young players, Tyler Callihan and Rece Hinds, are also third basemen.

Suffice to say that third baseman is unlikely to register very high on the Reds list of needs. But, there are several areas of need that Cincinnati does have. Despite improvements across the board last season, the Reds still have a few holes on the current team and heading into the future. So, which areas of need should the Cincinnati Reds address in the 2020 MLB Draft?

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 09: Luis Castillo #58 and Sonny Gray #54 of the Cincinnati Reds (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. The Reds need pitching.

You can never have enough pitching. Despite great gains in the department, the Reds could easily select a pitcher in the first-round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Yes, Luis Castillo imposed his will on hitters last year and Sonny Gray made his second trip to the All-Star Game, but there’s a lot more to starting rotation and even the bullpen.

Castillo and Gray were fantastic last season. Both right-handers elevated their game, went to the Midsummer Classic and ranked in the Top 20 in terms of strikeouts and ERA in the National League. However, there are a lot of question marks behind Cincinnati’s dynamic duo.

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First, Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani (40% of the Reds starting staff) will become free agents this offseason. With the coronavirus pandemic devastating team’s books, it’s hard to envision Cincinnati investing in either hurler long-term.

Wade Miley is 33-years old and will not be a mainstay in the Reds rotation. Top prospects Hunter Greene, Tony Santillan and Nick Lodolo will be called upon in the coming years to fill the likely void left by Bauer, DeSclafani and, eventually Miley. Tyler Mahle will be in the conversation as well.

The Reds could have their pick of the litter in regards to top-level college pitchers with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Cade Cavalli, Reid Detmers and Max Meyer could all be available when Cincinnati makes its first pick.

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 1: Cincinnati Reds (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. The Reds need a power-hitting outfielder

The Reds employed the services of Yasiel Puig in right field to begin the 2019 season. Cincinnati traded Puig along with top prospect Taylor Trammell and swapped out the enigmatic right fielder for Aristides Aquino for the final two months of the season. Though the Reds grabbed Nick Castellanos in free agency this offseason, they don’t have many power bats in the farm system.

Cincinnati has several talented outfielders in the minor leagues. Mike Siani and Stuart Fairchild are the two top outfielders in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline. However, neither player profiles as a power-hitter.

Siani is well-known for his speed and defense, while Fairchild is more of an all-around outfielder. Neither of those top prospects have played above Double-A. A bit further down the list are the likes of Jameson Hannah, Andy Sugilio and TJ Friedl, all of whom lack power at the plate.

Aquino and Josh VanMeter, have both shown the ability to leave the yard, but Cincinnati appeared to show a lack of confidence in The Punisher with the acquisition of Castellanos this past winter. VanMeter, who showed tremendous power, profiles as more of rotational player or bench bat at the major league level.

There is no shortage of power-hitting outfielders among this year’s crop of draft eligible players. High schoolers like Robert Hassell III and Austin Hendrick could be available at No. 12, as could Heston Kjerstad of the University of Arkansas.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 11: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. The Reds need an eventual replacement for Joey Votto.

This is long overdue. The Cincinnati Reds have been the benefactors of the long, consistent career of Joey Votto. However, the last two seasons have revealed cracks in Votto’s game and Cincinnati has no legitimate successor in the team’s farm system.

Could Mike Moustakas or Josh VanMeter eventually supplant Votto at first base? Sure, but that’s not an ideal situation. Moustakas’ standing with team heading into the twilight of his career may be more in line with the eventual universal DH we’re sure to see in the coming years. Though VanMeter can fill in on occasion, he is not an everyday first baseman.

Votto will turn 37-year old towards the end of the 2020 season and has four years remaining on this current deal. That said, Votto has said in the past that he may decide to retire before his contract is up.

Votto is a fringe Hall of Famer and cannot be replaced easily. However, the Reds have no contingency plan in place should Votto hang up his cleats tomorrow. Like Moustakas, Votto’s best role heading into the next few seasons may be that of a designated hitter.

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While there is only one first baseman likely to be chosen in the first round of the 2020 MLB (Spencer Torkelson), the Reds could snag Votto’s replacement in the second round. North Carolina’s Aaron Sabato is a power-hitting first baseman who’s limited athleticism may see him fall to No. 48.

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