5 Reds prospects who desperately need a strong finish to stay in Cincinnati's plans

The Cincinnati Reds' farm system is the lifeblood of the organization. A small-market franchise like the Reds is never going to be able to compete for the biggest names on the free agent market, so developing homegrown talent is crucial to the team's long-term success.

This season, prospects like Edwin Arroyo, Héctor Rodríguez, and José Franco all made their big-league debuts. The success of that trio could be vital to the Reds' organization over the long haul, but a few prospects have fallen behind this season and need a strong push to the finish line if they hope to remain part of the organization's long-term plans.

These five Reds prospects now have a shrinking window over the final six weeks of the 2026 minor-league season to prove that they belong in the organization's future plans.

5 prospects running out of time to earn a spot in the Reds' long-term plans

Cam Collier, Reds infield prospect

Cam Collier has the pedigree to be an elite-level talent. His father Lou was a big-leaguer for eight seasons, and Cam is a former first-round pick. But Collier's been stuck at Double-A Chattanooga all season and his OPS is below .700 for the first time in his minor-league career. The Reds have to decide whether or not to protect Collier from this year's Rule 5 Draft, but unless he catches fire over the final few weeks, that seems unlikely.

Leo Balcazar, Reds infield prospect

Speaking of the Rule 5 Draft, Cincinnati added Leo Balcazar to the 40-man roster last winter in order to prevent other teams from poaching one of their top prospects. But the 22-year-old failed to produce at the Double-A level this season with a .241/.328/.364 slash line. Despite those struggles, the Reds decided to promote Balcazar to Triple-A Louisville. If he fails to impress, it wouldn't be surprising to see Balcazar removed from the 40-man roster this offseason.

Jay Allen II, Reds outfield prospect

The Reds selected Jay Allen II with the 30th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. His athleticism is undeniable, but his bat has always lagged behind. This season, however, Allen has shown improvements at the dish. He's hitting .273/.362/.457 while playing above-average defense in the outfield. Allen has a few more weeks to prove that he belongs, and can't take his foot off the gas now.

Zach Maxwell, Reds pitching prospect

Zach Maxwell made his Major League debut in 2025, but with just 20 big-league innings under his belt, most would still consider him a prospect. Big Sugar might get another look during the month of September when Major League rosters expand, but if he keeps walking over 15% of the batters he faces, there's no chance he'll maintain his spot on the 40-man roster. Maxwell has a limited time to show that he can command his fastball. Otherwise, he could be non-tendered after the season.

Austin Hendrick, Reds outfield prospect

The Reds selected Austin Hendrick with their first round in 2020, and it wasn't until earlier this season that he made it to Triple-A. Strikeouts have haunted him throughout his entire professional career, and this season hasn't been any different. While the number isn't as egregious as in years past, a 28% strikeout rate, .283 on-base percentage, and 56 wRC+ aren't going to keep you around for long. This might be Hendrick's final season in the organization.

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