Michael Siani has bright future with the Reds despite not making the roster

The Reds left Michael Siani out of the 60-man player pool.

The Cincinnati Reds farm system took a hit after the trade of Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray, Jonathan India’s early struggles, Hunter Greene’s recent surgery and Nick Senzel’s promotion to the big leagues. However, if Michael Siani reaches his potential, the Reds farm system could skyrocket back near the top of the MLB rankings.

Siani was given a handsome some of bonus pool money from the Reds in order for the youngster to sign. Siani had committed to the University of Virginia and was adamant about attending  until the Reds snagged him in the fourth round of the 2018 draft and surprised him with a $2M signing bonus.

Siani hasn’t played many minor league games, only 167, but in those games it’s hard not to be impressed. Siani hit .253/.333/.386 for Single-A Dayton last season. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but don’t forget that Siani is just 20-years-old. Once he got on base, Siani wowed with his speed and accounted for 45 stolen bases.

Along with showing his speed and smarts on the base paths, Siani also didn’t miss a beat in centerfield; one of the toughest defensive positions in baseball. In his 112 games played in center field last season, Siani held a fielding percentage of .988.

Michael Siani is ranked 6th in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline, and is projected to make his major league debut in 2022, though the coronavirus pandemic may push that projection back to 2023.

Though Nick Senzel and Shogo Akiyama currently occupy center field for the Cincinnati Reds, Siani’s athletic ability may force a change in position. Akiyama, who’s only signed through 2022, can play all three outfield spots, and Senzel may have found a new home in the infield by the time Siani graduates to the big leagues.

I’m not saying that Michael Siani will be a future MVP, but I do expect him to be a consistent performer at the next level and see him as a player who has 20/20 potential. Siani may be the centerfielder of the future, but for now, he’ll have to wait.