Reds: 3 prospects who should debut in 2021, but probably won’t

2. Nick Lodolo, Reds left-handed pitcher

I’m not as bullish on Nick Lodolo staying in the minor leagues. In fact, I think the Cincinnati Reds need to accelerate his ascension. The left-hander has performed well during the first month of the season, and if those results continue through June, Lodolo should be promoted to Triple-A Louisville by July.

Lodolo was the seventh overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft, and was well-regarded as an advanced college arm. I firmly believe that had the minor league baseball season not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick Lodolo would have made his major league debut in 2020.

So far this season, the southpaw is 2-0 with a 1.01 ERA in five starts. Lodolo has 38 punch outs in 26.2 innings of work and hasn’t allowed a home run all season. While fellow first-round Hunter Greene still needs to refine his pitches, Lodolo has the tools and knows how to use them.

There’s an outside chance that Nick Lodolo receives a September call-up, but I’m not holding my breath. A lot may have to do with the state of the team around the All-Star break. If Cincinnati is in contention for the division crown, I expect the front office to stand pat. However, if the Reds are out of contention near the trade deadline, that could impact their decision regarding Lodolo.

If the Reds are already out of the playoff race by July, there’s a chance that several starting pitchers could be moved at the deadline. Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, and Wade Miley could all be pitching elsewhere after July 30th. If that’s the case, Lodolo may get his shot in 2021. If not, he’ll have to wait until next season to the toe the rubber at Great American Ball Park.