Reds: 3 shortstop prospects Cincinnati should investigate in MLB Draft

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.

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.