3 Reds prospects that are expendable, 2 that should be kept for 2025

Over the last couple of years, the Cincinnati Reds fanbase have become quite familiar with the players in the club's farm system. Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and Elly De La Cruz have all made their way to the big leagues since 2023, and there are more to come.

But at some point, the Reds need to cash in their chips. While Cincinnati has amassed a lot of young talent, perhaps this offseason will offer the Reds an opportunity to acquire a meaningful roster upgrade in exchange for some top prospects.

If the Reds decide to part ways with some of their top prospects this offseason, a few should definitely be considered untouchable. Which Reds prospects might become expendable this offseason, and who's staying put.

3 Reds prospects that are expendable this offseason

Edwin Arroyo, Reds shortstop prospect

The Reds have an abundance of infielders, meaning that it's already going to be difficult to open up a spot for Edwin Arroyo. Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain are under team control through 2029, and the Reds haven't given up on Noelvi Marte just yet. Arroyo is known much more for his glove than his bat, and while dealing him less than a year after shoulder surgery likely lowers his value, it's definitely possible.

Leo Balcazar, Reds shortstop prospect

Another shortstop prospect who's not as well known is Leo Balcazar. A year younger, with possibly more upside than Arroyo, Balcazar was working his way back from injury last season. Balczar is the inverse of the aforementioned Arroyo with his bat, not his glove, being his carrying tool. Even if Cincinnati traded both Arroyo and Balcazar, Reds would still have shortstops Sammy Stafura and Tyson Lewis in the farm system.

Chase Petty, Reds pitching prospect

A lot of Reds fans won't like the idea of trading one of team's top pitching prospects, but if it helped to solidify Cincinnati's lineup, Chase Petty should be made available. The 21-year-old has an effective fastball-slider combination and has been expanding his repertoire. Petty is highly-touted prospect in the Reds farm system, but if packaging the right-hander in as part of a deal would net Cincinnati a middle-of-the-order bat in return, the Reds should consider it.

2 Reds prospects that should be kept for 2025

Cam Collier, Reds infield prospect

Cam Collier came into his own last season. The former first-round pick began to discover his power, posting a .443 slugging percentage and smashing 20 homers with High-A Dayton in 2024. Collier fell to the Reds during the 2022 MLB Draft, and Cincinnati can't just trade away a gift like that. Look for Collier to stay put.

Chase Burns, Reds pitching prospect

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft isn't going anywhere. Chase Burns signed a record-breaking deal with the Reds last year and could be fast-tracked to the big leagues in 2025. Much like Rhett Lowder, the Reds have big plans for Burns in the future.

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