Cincinnati Reds 2020 MLB Draft: Will the pursuit of power continue?

Will the Reds add another power bat on Day 2 of the MLB Draft?

The Cincinnati Reds have invested heavily in terms of power hitters during the early-goings of the past two drafts. Will Dick Williams, Nick Krall and the Reds front office find another power bat on Day 2 of the 2020 MLB Draft?

Austin Hendrick was the Reds first-round selection on Wednesday night. Hendrick’s best tool is his power, and it’s the hope of the Reds front office that Hendrick realizes his potential and becomes a 30-plus home run prospect who can eventually take over in right field. But, adding a power bat is nothing new for Cincinnati.

Last year, after taking left-handed starter Nick Lodolo with the No. 7 overall pick, the Reds added back-to-back power-hitting infielders with their second and third-round selections. Rece Hinds and Tyler Callihan were well-regarded high school bats coming into last year’s draft.

Hinds had some of the best raw power among prep players in the 2019 MLB Draft, and some scouts thought it may have pushed him into the first round. The Reds were fortunate enough for Hinds to fall to them at No. 49.

Callihan, who’s hit tool is a bit more impressive than his power, can rake as well. The Reds third-round pick in 2019, Callihan was rated the No. 35 prospect heading into the draft and fell into Cincinnati’s lap with the No. 85 overall pick. Callihan had a .442 slugging percentage between 57 games at Rookie Level Billings and Greenville last season.

So, might we see another power-hitter pique Cincinnati’s interest during the early-goings of Day 2? There are certainly some quality bats remaining. Blaze Jordan, a Mississippi State commit might be the best power bat remaining. At just 17-years old, Jordan possesses ridiculous power from the right side and could eventually be the successor to Joey Votto at first base.

Austin Wells is another name to keep your eye on today. A catcher from the University of Arizona, Wells is a draft eligible sophomore who may have to switch positions once he advances in the minor leagues. Wells have above-average power and doesn’t turn 21-years old until next month.

One more name to keep an eye on heading into Day 2 is Caden Grice of Riverside High School in South Carolina. The Clemson commit likely won’t come off the board until Round 3 or 4, but Grice has some of the best raw power in the draft class. Some scouts are split on whether or not he’s a pitcher or position player, but regardless, Grice has pop in his bat.

The Reds will have a stable of power-hitters with Austin Hendrick, Rece Hinds and Tyler Callihan. But, don’t be surprised if the front office is a bit power-hungry on Day 2, looking for another big bat to add in order to strengthen their farm system.