Reds: Outfield prospect Michael Siani has failed to make the leap in 2021

MLB Pipeline came out with their midseason prospect rankings earlier this week. While several new faces emerged, one of the Cincinnati Reds‘ top outfield prospects has tumbled down the rankings as Michael Siani dropped to No. 13.

Siani, an elite-level defender, has struggled at the plate this season for for High-A Dayton. Siani is hitting just .209 and has 85 strikeouts in 76 games this season. Of late, Siani has turned it up a notch, hitting .295 in his last 10 games.

Siani has the speed to be an impact player at the major league level, but just like Billy Hamilton before him, lightning-fast speed and incredible defensive talent will not be enough to find Siani a spot in the Reds’ everyday lineup.

Reds prospect Michael Siani needs his bat needs to catch up to his defense.

Developing young prospects, especially high school stars, is a marathon not a sprint. Reds fans have seen that in recent years with Tyler Stephenson and Jose Barrero. Michael Siani may be in the same mold.

Siani, in his age 22 season, was expected to make a leap this season. Ranked by most outlets as a Top 10 prospect within Cincinnati’s farm system, the assumption was that the left-handed hitting Siani could make enough improvements at the plate to vault up through the minor leagues.

Instead, a .177 batting average and 30 punch outs through the Dragons’ first month of action, saw Siani record only one extra base hit through his first 92 plate appearances. Siani has posted a 79 wRC+ and a 26.5% strikeout-rate this season.

Siani’s walk-rate of 12.5% is actually very good, especially considering what the speedster can do once he gets on the base path. Siani has 21 stolen bases this season and has been gunned down eight times; good enough for a 72.4% success-rate.

Michael Siani still has a bright future, but the expectations surrounding the outfield prospect have probably been dampened a bit by his lack of success in the 2021 season. Siani, at his peak, could be a top-end defensive centerfielder. His floor is likely a rotational outfielder. His development over the remainder of this year and into 2022 will dictate Michael Siani’s future with the Reds.