Cincinnati Reds: 3 under-the-radar prospects who’ll turn heads in 2021

Sure, we’ve all heard of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and José García. Even players like Michael Siani, Rece Hinds, and Tony Santillan are relatively well-known prospects within the Cincinnati Reds system. But, being a top-rated prospect isn’t always a ticket to stardom, and being an under-the-radar prospect isn’t an automatic death sentence to a career in the minor leagues.

The Reds have done well of late in terms of drafting top talent. Recently, we’ve seen Nick Senzel and Jonathan India turn into everyday regulars in the Cincinnati lineup. The Reds traded away former prospects like Taylor Trammell and Shed Long, and those young players have made their major league debuts in recent years.

So while it’s easy to turn a first-round pick like Jesse Winker into a budding star, it’s not as easy to do that with a seventh-round pick like Tyler Mahle. Who are some young prospects, much like Mahle, that have flown under the radar, but will begin to turn heads in 2021?

1. Bren Spillane, Reds 2018 third-round pick

The coronavirus pandemic, as it did to many young prospects, really took a toll on Bren Spillane’s development. Spillane was taken with the 82nd overall selection in the 2018 MLB and hadn’t played above A-Ball to this point. Spillane will begin the 2021 season where he left off; with the Dayton Dragons.

Only this time around, the Dragons, who were previously listed as Cincinnati’s Low-A affiliate, have been designated as the Reds’ Advanced-A affiliate. Spillane is listed as an outfielder, but the 24-year-old has the capacity to play first base as well.

Spillane is a power-hitter, who’s right-handed bat is sure to find it’s way into the Dragons’ lineup on a consistent basis. He’ll have some competition, however, as top outfield prospect Michael Siani will also begin the season in Advanced-A Dayton. Jacob Hurtibise is sure to get some time as well, and so will Mariel Bautista and Quin Cotton.

Look for the athletic Spillane to get some reps in the outfield, but he could find regular playing time at first base as well. Cincinnati fans are always looking to find a replacement for Joey Votto when the former MVP retires. While Spillane doesn’t profile as an everyday starter, he good power from the right side. If he can cut down on the strikeouts, look for Spillane to have a solid campaign.

2. Allan Cerda, Reds 2017 international signing

We just talked about the hard-hitting Bren Spillane, but few hitters in the Cincinnati Reds farm system possess the power that lies in Allan Cerda’s bat. A 2017 international signing, Cerda has the kind of plus-power that could rival that of former first-round pick Austin Hendrick and 2019 second-round selection Rece Hinds.

While Cerda hasn’t played above Rookie Ball, the 21-year-old has shown that he’s ready for the next stage of his young career. Cerda will begin the 2021 season with the Daytona Tortugas who were recently re-assigned to Low-A.

While playing for Rookie Level Greenville in 2019, Cerda hit six doubles and nine home runs in 39 games with a very impressive .470 slugging percentage. Unfortunately, Cerda struck out 56 times in 132 at-bats (42.2% strikeout-rate). He did, however, post a 13.2% walk-rate, so the right-handed slugger can take a pitch.

Cerda will be on a team with the aforementioned Austin Hendrick. Those two could light up the night’s sky in Daytona with the power they possess. Rece Hinds and Tyler Callihan, two other highly-touted power hitters will join the outfield duo as well.

Allan Cerda should start the season for the Daytona Tortugas in center field. The 6-foot-3, 170-pound Cerda doesn’t have blazing speed like top outfield prospect Michael Siani, but Cerda has enough athleticism to be a serviceable centerfielder.