4 Reds prospects who could use the Arizona Fall League to boost their stock

The Peoria Javelinas have been named the Cincinnati Reds' Arizona Fall League affiliate this year. The AFL is known as a proving ground for aspiring big-leaguers, and while the Reds have yet to assign any of their top prospects to the Javelinas roster, several youngsters could use the time in Arizona to bolster their résumé.

Last year, the Reds sent the likes of Alfredo Duno, Cam Collier, and Trevor Kuncl out west. Duno, who was already on the ascent, used his time in the AFL to boost his stock heading into the 2026 season. The hulking backstop is now the top prospect in the Reds' farm system and one of the best in all of baseball.

Several other prospects are undoubtedly looking to follow in Duno's footsteps. Which four Reds' prospects could benefit from a trip out to Arizona later this fall?

4 Reds prospects who could turn heads in the Arizona Fall League

Carter Graham, Reds infield prospect

Carter Graham was taken in the eighth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and the Reds have to decide whether or not to add him to the 40-man roster this offseason. The slugger will be Rule 5 eligible in December, and his .297/.421/.549 slash line along with his 24 home runs will almost certainly catch the attention of aspiring organizations wishing to poach the hard-hitting corner infielder this winter.

Kien Vu, Reds outfield prospect

Kien Vu might be the best Reds prospect you've never heard of. The 22-year-old was selected in the ninth round of the 2025 MLB Draft after a successful career at Arizona State University. He dominated High-A earlier this season, but has struggled since making the jump to Double-A. Perhaps a trip out to Arizona this fall could help him make some necessary improvements during the offseason.

Jacob Friend, Reds infield/ outfield prospect

Jacob Friend was the Reds' sixth-round draft pick in 2024 and he destroyed opposing pitching at Low-A Daytona this season. Much like Vu, he's struggled to make the adjustment after jumping up a level to High-A, but he's still been able to maintain his power. Friend has 20 home runs on the year, and a combined 135 wRC+. He can play both corner outfield positions, and catcher — a trait that could be invaluable to the organization in the future.

Carlos Sanchez, Reds infield prospect

Carlos Sanchez has been part of the Reds' farm system since 2022. He signed as a teenager out of the Dominican Republic and finally made it to Double-A this season. MLB Pipeline ranks him as one of the Reds' top-15 prospects, citing his high walk and contact rates as reasons for the organization to be optimistic about his development. Like Graham, the Reds need to make decision about Sanchez's future this winter, and sending him out to Arizona could be a good barometer of whether or not he's Major League-ready.

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