Reds spring training: 3 prospects who may actually make the active roster

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CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 21: Nick Lodolo #86 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning of an exhibition game. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Entering Reds spring training, the competition for the final few spots on the active roster will be an interesting one. While the Cincinnati Reds have yet to address the glaring need at shortstop, the front office likely isn’t done adding pieces this offseason.

However, with Reds spring training set to kick off in Goodyear next week, time is running out to make any sort of flashy free agent signing or blockbuster trade. However, the Cincinnati front office could turn to some of their highly-touted prospects in order to bolster their roster. Which three prospects are most likely to make the Opening Day roster?

1. Nick Lodolo, Reds left-handed pitcher

Nick Lodolo is the Cincinnati Reds top prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The left-hander was the team’s first-round selection in 2019 and has only eight minor league appearances. The pandemic-shortened 2020 season saw Lodolo at the team’s alternate site in Mason, Ohio, but thee absence of a minor league season likely hurt Lodolo’s ascension through the farm system.

The Reds elected to take Lodolo with the seventh-overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. The southpaw is considered an advanced pitcher who has the potential to rocket through the minor leagues. While it was only the lower minor leagues, Lodolo didn’t issue a walk over his first 18-plus innings as a professional in 2019.

Nick Lodolo profiles as a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher, and with Cincinnati losing Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani to free agency, there is exists the possibility of an opening in the starting rotation. Lodolo will have to do battle with the likes of Michael Lorenzen, Wade Miley, and others in order to make the cut, but I’m not counting out the 23-year-old just yet.

CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 10: Ryan Hendrix #73 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during an intrasquad scrimmage. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Hendrix, Reds right-handed pitcher

Were it not for the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, we likely would have seen Ryan Hendrix debut last season. Unfortunately, the lack of a minor league season left the right-hander at Prasco Park all summer. However, Hendrix has the stuff to make an impact out of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen.

With so many unknowns among the crop of relief pitchers, outside of Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, Sean Doolittle, and Noé Ramirez, it’s anyone’s guess as to who’ll be emerging from the Reds bullpen on any given night. GM Nick Krall has made several additions, but none of those players are guaranteed a spot among the relief corps.

Hendrix is a power pitcher with a plus, plus-fastball and a devastating slider. A two-pitch combo like that is sure to turn heads during Reds spring training. Think Robert Stephenson, butt with better control. Stephenson always had a great mix of stuff, but his exceedingly high walk-rate (12.1% according to FanGraphs), never allowed him to reach his potential.

The absence of many assured spots in the Cincinnati bullpen gives Ryan Hendrix a tremendous opportunity to impress the coaching staff during spring training. It’ll be a tight competition, and may come down to minor-league options. Since Hendrix has all three options remaining, he may get passed over. However, if he shows out during camp, David Bell may be hard-pressed to keep him off the active roster.

Reds non-roster invitee infielder Jonathan India (85) gets set to defend during a Cactus League spring training baseball. /

3. Jonathan India, Reds infielder

Is it just me, or have fans completely forgotten about former first-round pick Jonathan India? The University of Florida alum was the fifth-overall choice during the 2018 MLB Draft. Some have bemoaned India’s progress during his time in the minors, but his numbers have improved slightly at every level he’s played. After spending all last season at the alternate site, perhaps it’s his time to shine.

I think Nick Senzel’s lack of success at the big leagues have caused some fans throughout Reds Country to question India’s potential. Given the commonalities between the two, it’s easy to see how some would make that comparison.

Both Nick Senzel and Jonathan India were high draft picks who played in the SEC. Both primary played third base in college and were drafted as advanced bats, thought to be instant contributors. Senzel tore up the minor leagues, posting an .895 OPS through three-plus seasons. However, India’s numbers are a bit more pedestrian, slashing .254/.369/.410 in two seasons.

That said, one of the biggest criticisms I’ve heard recently from Reds fans is the team’s lack of players who can get on base. Jonathan India can certainly do that. The 24-year-old shows an advanced approach at the plate, and his .414 OBP and 15.2% walk-rate while playing at Double-A Chattanooga speak to India’s patience at the dish.

The Cincinnati Reds are in need of starting shortstop. Throughout his minor league career, India’s played just nine games at shortstop, but he certainly has the ability to field the position. Furthermore, if David Bell decided to roll with Kyle Farmer at short, India can play all over the infield, subbing in for Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suárez as needed.

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With Reds spring training upon us, fans are eager to see what this year’s team will look like. While it’s always an uphill battle for prospects to make the team out of camp, these three players certainly possess the ability to do so.

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1. Nick Lodolo, Reds left-handed pitcher

2. Ryan Hendrix, Reds right-handed pitcher

3. Jonathan India, Reds infielder

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