Cincinnati Reds 2020 MLB Draft: Three biggest needs

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.