Cincinnati Reds: 3 under-the-radar players who’ll make an impact in 2021

Which Reds players are flying under-the-radar during spring training?

There’s always a handful of players each year who weren’t expected to make an impact, yet somehow they find a way to break through on the big stage. The Cincinnati Reds saw Aristides Aquino break out in big way back in August in 2019. While his impact was short-lived, he definitely made an impression. Are there any such players in Goodyear this spring?

Tyler Mahle is another name that comes to mind. After being projected to start the 2020 season in the minor leagues, Mahle stepped onto the mound in place of the injured Anthony DeSclafani and was never removed from the active roster. Mahle found success in 2020 and will be a key piece of the Reds rotation heading into the upcoming season.

Lucas Sims certainly saw an uptick in playing time and production last season as well. Though he was the key piece in a trade deadline deal with the Atlanta Braves back in 2018, the 26-year-old hadn’t made much of an impact since joining the Reds until last season.

Heading into camp, Sims in competition with relievers Amir Garrett and Sean Doolittle for the closer’s job following the departure of Raisel Iglesias. Sims posted career-highs in ERA (2.45), WHIP (0.935), and ERA+ (196) in 2020. Sims possesses one of the highest spin-rates in all of baseball and will be counted upon big-time to induce outs late in games during the 2021 season.

So, which players, who are flying under the radar in camp thus far, are set to explode onto the scene and be an impact player for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021? We’ve got a few names in mind. Let’s see if you agree.