Reds: 3 shortstop prospects Cincinnati should investigate in MLB Draft

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 02: Matt McLain #1 of UCLA swings the bat. (Photo by Andy Bao/Getty Images) /

The Reds should consider several shortstops in the upcoming MLB Draft.

The Cincinnati Reds own the 17th overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft. Looking at a few mock drafts around the league, the feeling is that the shortstop position will be a popular pick in the first round. While it may be a popular pick in the first round, that doesn’t mean the Reds need to make a selection at shortstop with their first overall pick.

The Reds have not seen the production from shortstop this season that they hoped for. With Eugenio Suarez moving to shortstop from the hot corner, it has been a huge adjustment for the former All-Star.

Suarez has eight errors in 31 starts at shortstop this season. Kyle Farmer has been the most consistent player at the position this season. With 50 games starting at shortstop, Farmer has posted a fielding percentage of .982.

Other needs could be addressed in the first-round aside from the shortstop position. Looking deeper into the draft and maybe a little wishful thinking, these are the names you should remember if the Reds decide to draft a shortstop.

1. The Reds should take a closer look at shortstop Matt McLain.

MLB.com‘s 2021 MLB Mock Draft has five shortstops being taken before the Cincinnati Reds will even get to make a selection. One of those selections happens to be the shortstop from UCLA, Matt McLain. McLain, would be a steal if his name were to fall to the Reds with the 17th pick.

McLain received first-team Preseason All=-American and PAC-12 Preseason Player of the Year nominations before starting his 2021 campaign. McLain finished the year with a .333 batting average and recorded 36 RBIs in 183 plate appearances.

Looking at his fielding numbers, McLain ended the season with a .965 fielding percentage with seven errors in 47 games. If Matt McLain were to fall own to the 17th pick, the Reds should be tripping over themselves trying to secure the services of the Bruins’ shortstop.

Southridge’s Colson Montgomery (2) fields a grounder during the Mater Dei Wildcats vs Southridge Raiders baseball game at Bosse Field Monday, April 29, 2019. /

2. The Reds should take a closer look at shortstop Colson Montgomery.

Colson Montgomery is a high school standout with a few questions left to answer. If he chooses to play college baseball, he will not be eligible for the draft until 2023. Montgomery is already 19 years old and youth is a desirable trait among most scouts. Many believe Montgomery could forgo his commitment to the University of Indiana and begin his professional career this season.

Bringing power with his bat, Montgomery isn’t one to focus on the long ball. Montgomery prefers to use the entire field of play when taking his swings at the plate.I feel these comparisons are always unfair to the prospect, but scouts compare Montgomery to Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager. Both players bat left-handed and throw right-handed.

Many scouts believe that by the time Montgomery would become a big leaguer, he may be a better fit at third base than shortstop, as he stands to grow into his 6’4 frame. While a few scouts believe his age is a negative, Montgomery’s athleticism makes him a highly sought-after prospect in this year’s MLB Draft.

it’s hard to compare how high school stats will translate to minor league success, but many believe that won’t be an issue for Montgomery. Montgomery is rated the 25th best prospect in this year’s draft. Montgomery could possibly be a first-round pick and someone that may be available when the Cincinnati Reds are on the clock in the first round.

Lafayette Aviators third baseman Trey Sweeney (2) throws to first. /

3. The Reds should take a closer look at Trey Sweeney (Eastern Illinois).

A redshirt sophomore born in Louisville, Kentucky, shortstop Trey Sweeney had a fantastic year at the plate for Eastern Illinois. In 170 plate appearances this season, Sweeney delivered a .382 batting average and collected 14 HRs and 58 RBIs.

Sweeny’s defensive numbers were just as great, posting a .975 fielding percentage with five errors in 48 games in the Ohio Valley Conference. Seeing the Louisville native get the opportunity to play close to home would be a fascinating story.

Aside from his play at Eastern Illinois, Sweeney played one season in the Prospect League with the Lafayette Aviators and this past year played with the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League. Sweeny showed off his versatility with the Aviators playing shortstop, third-base, and second-base in his one season with the Aviators.

The St. Xavier High School product, had a career day at the plate on May 7th of this year. Sweeney went 3-for-3, including two home runs against conference challenger Austin Peay. Sweeney’s bat speed should help him tap into some slightly above-average power.

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The Cincinnati Reds have plenty of options and decisions to make ahead of the MLB Draft. The organization has a chance to create an exhilarating second half to the 2021 season. It will be interesting to see how things shake out for the rest of this season and what direction the Reds will go in this year’s draft.

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