Cincinnati Reds: 3 players who could sign Fernando Tatis-like extension

Rece Hinds, Reds infielder

Let’s face it, big contracts like the one signed by Fernando Tatis Jr. are typically given to position players, not pitchers. Sure, Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole signed massive contracts last offseason, but more times than not, the big bucks are given to those players who are in the lineup every day and who’s risk of longterm injury is less.

Rece Hinds is one of the better young prospects in the Reds farm system. While a quad injury robbed the high school standout of his first professional season after Cincinnati drafted him in the second-round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Hinds has elite-level power, which is something that is of great value in today’s game.

Hinds is a boom-or-bust prospect, as it will be up to his ability to actually make contact that will determine whether or not he makes it. While Hinds’ power is his calling card, the 20-year-old is consistently swinging for the fences every time he steps to the plate. If the Reds coaching staff can instill some discipline in him, Hinds has a chance to be fixture in the middle of the lineup for years to come.

Rece Hinds, like every other young prospect, was not helped by the coronavirus pandemic that wiped out an entire season of minor league baseball. However, I’d expect Hinds to begin the 2021 season at Single-A Daytona. If his pitch recognition is improved, a quick ascension through the farm system may be in order.