Reds: 3 prospects Cincinnati should target in Round 2 of the MLB Draft

2. Reds should target James Wood in Round 2 of the MLB Draft.

Will the Cincinnati Reds go back to the IMG Academy well? Rece Hinds, a top prospect in Cincinnati’s farm system and second-round pick in 2019, played at IMG Academy. Outfielder James Wood, who stands 6-foot-7, is committed to Mississippi State, but if the Reds pull the trigger on Wood in Round 2, he may be lured away from playing for the Bulldogs.

Wood, like Hinds, has big-time power. Wood moved from Maryland to attend IMG Academy to focus on baseball. Wood is a two-sport athlete who also can strap on the sneakers and showcase his athleticism on the hardwood as well.

The Reds already took a Florida prep player with their second of three Day 1 picks when they took Jay Allen with 30th-overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. Both are athletic, but where Allen is the more well-rounded prospect, Wood makes loud contact. The 18-year-old possesses plus, plus-raw power from the left side of the plate.

Cincinnati has shown a desire over the last few drafts to take power over contact. Hinds, Tyler Callihan, and last year’s first-round pick Austin Hendrick all possess big-time power. If the front office is still power-hungry, James Wood could be high on the Reds’ list when their opportunity arises with the 53rd pick.