4 Reds prospects who'll defy expectations and surprisingly make MLB debut in 2025

Nobody really thought that Rhett Lowder was going to make his Major League debut in 2024. But an outstanding performance in the minors and numerous injuries to the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation made that a reality. Lowder made his big league debut on August 30th last season.

There are a handful of Reds prospects like Zach Maxwell, Tyler Callihan, and even Chase Burns who many fans expect to see make it to the major leagues this season. But which four Reds prospects, who aren't expected to make their MLB debut in 2025, will defy the odds and surprisingly find a way onto the big league roster?

4 Reds prospects who'll defy expectations and surprisingly make their MLB debut in 2025

Lenny Torres Jr., Reds pitcher

At one time, Lenny Torres Jr., was a highly-regarded prospect in the Cleveland Guardians organization. But the right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019, and like so many others, missed the entire 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. That halted much of Torres' progress, and he fell out of favor in Cleveland.

Torres became a free agent last offseason and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds. The 24-year-old had a fine showing during spring training, and was in the mix to break camp with the big league ball club. Currently at Triple-A, Torres is operating out of the Louisville Bats' bullpen, and Reds fans shouldn't be shocked if he makes his MLB debut sometime later this summer.

Ivan Johnson, Reds infielder/ outfielder

Ivan Johnson is a recognizable name, and at one point, was considered to be a top-15 organizational prospect. A former second baseman who also tried his hand at shortstop, Johnson has become a jack-of-all-trades and has found time on the outfield grass as well.

Johnson made it to Triple-A last season and posted an impressive .896 OPS with a 130 wRC+ in a little less than 50 games. The former fourth-round pick is back with the Louisville Bats this season, and if he's able to match his production from 2024, could finally find his way to The Show in 2025.

Ethan O'Donnell, Reds outfielder

Ethan O'Donnell may be the most exciting Reds prospect you've never heard of. For all those throughout Reds Country who've been begging for Cincinnati to develop an outfielder, you're in luck. O'Donnell hits for average, carries high on-base skills, and is a defensive-minded centerfielder who some might compare to current Reds outfielder TJ Friedl.

O'Donnell spent last season at High-A Dayton and began this year with Double-A Chattanooga. He has a quick bat and is able to turn on pitches as evidenced by his 10 round-trippers in 2024. Being a left-handed hitter, O'Donnell does represent a redundancy on the roster, but if he continues to hit for average and make plays defensively, the Reds may have no choice but to call him later this year.

Cade Hunter, Reds catcher

At some point, the Reds will need to see what they have in terms of catching prospects. Cincinnati has not called upon a homegrown catcher since Mark Koloszvary had a 10-game audition in 2022. This, despite having heavily invested in draft picks like Mat Nelson, Connor Burns, and Logan Tanner over the past few years.

Cade Hunter, a product of Virginia Tech, is a former fifth-round pick who's steadily worked his way up through the Reds farm system and is a Double-A Chattanooga. Hunter has split time between catcher and left field and also brings a left-handed swing into the equation. If the Reds need catching depth as the season moves along, don't be shocked if Hunter gets a call.