Reds: Dynamic prospect Jacob Hurtubise making an impact

Folks, if you haven’t gotten to see Jacob Hurtubise play baseball, get your subscription to MiLBTV and tune into one of the most entertaining players you’ll see all season. The Cincinnati Reds signed Hurtubise following last year’s abbreviated draft, and this season, the former Army standout is getting to show the baseball world that he’s coming.

Hurtubise is the antithesis of nearly every major league ball player, and that’s not a bad thing. When every other player trying to reach the big leagues is zigging, Hurtubise is zagging. The stole 45 bases in 2019 and drew 69 walks, both were third best in all of college baseball during that season.

Jacob Hurtubise may be the Reds most dynamic prospect.

The Cincinnati Reds are not short on outfield prospects. Last season, Cincinnati elected to take a high school power-bat in Austin Hendrick. The Reds also have the athletic speedster Michael Siani in their farm system, and recent international signee Ariel Almonte.

But it’s Jacob Hurtubise that may be Cincinnati’s most dynamic, young outfield prospect. The 23-year-old is fast, like really fast. In fact, MLB.com ranks Hurtubise as the organization’s fastest prospect.

Hurtubise’s first ever hit as a professional was a drag bunt for a single. The left-handed hitting Hurtubise is master at bunting for base hits. His speed is elite, and Indiana native has 28 hits in 29 games at Advanced-A Dayton this season.

Jacob Hurtubise leads the league in on-base percentage (.463). Hurtubise in not afraid to work the count and has a good eye at the dish, drawing 23 free passes so far this season. Hustubise in Top 10 in the league in OBP, batting average, stolen bases, walks, and runs scored.

Essentially, Hurtubise is what the Reds envisioned from Billy Hamilton when he was coming up through the farm system, except Hurtubise can actually get on base. Once he reaches, the opposing pitchers are forced to respect his speed in the run game.

Last night, Jacob Hurtubise reached base safely four times and scored twice, including the game-winning run in Dayton’s come from behind victory over the Great Lakes Loons. Keep your eye on this young prospect, as he’ll likely ascend through the minor leagues very quickly.