Cincinnati Reds: Three surprise prospects likely among 60-man player pool

3. Reds right-handed pitching prospect Vladimir Gutiérrez

The 2020 season is a perfect time for the Cincinnati Reds to see what they have in Vladimir Gutiérrez. The Reds signed Gutiérrez as an International prospect back in 2016, and following a terrific season in Double-A back in 2018, the right-hander had major setbacks in 2019. Gutiérrez could be nice relief option should the Reds need help in the bullpen.

Gutiérrez has been a starter since his minor-league career began back in 2017. The right-hander struck out 95 batters over 103 innings for Advanced-A Daytona and owned a 4.46 ERA. The following season was Gutiérrez’s best, as at age 22 the right-hander put up a 23.2% strikeout-rate according to FanGraphs.

However, last season is one that Gutiérrez would like to forget. While earning 27 starts for Triple-A Louisville, Gutiérrez put up a 6.04 ERA and a 1.401 WHIP. He also saw his strikeout-rate plummet to 19.2% while his walk-rate rose from 6.1% to 7.9%. Those statistics will get you noticed for all the wrong reasons.

However, Vladimir Gutiérrez still has a plus-fastball and plus-changeup with an above-average breaking ball. Fortunately, Gutiérrez’s final month of his minor league season offered a ray of hope, as he finished August with a 3.74 ERA and 41 strikeouts over 33.2 innings pitched. Gutiérrez should be among the 60 players invited to spring training 2.0 and make his way onto the taxi squad.