5 Reds prospects who won't be called up in September, but could have an impact in 2027

The Cincinnati Reds' September call-ups shouldn't be all that difficult this year, though there might be a surprise mixed after Edwin Arroyo joined the team on Friday. Arroyo was expected to be one of the two players called up when rosters expand from 26 to 28 next month, but he was recently recalled to replace Ke'Bryan Hayes who landed on the injured list with a groin injury.

The Reds can add one position player and one pitcher on September 1. Activating Graham Ashcraft from the IL and promoting another player from the 40-man roster — maybe Leo Balcazar and Juan Brito — seems like the most logical moves to make. Bada-bing, bada-boom!

Nevertheless, the Reds have some fascinating prospects in the farm system who won't be called up this September but could debut in 2027 — and not just debut, but make an meaningful impact.

5 Reds prospects who won't be called up this September, but could debut in 2027

Alfredo Duno, Reds catching prospect

Don't get too excited, Reds fans. While it's likely — maybe even very likely — that we see Alfredo Duno make his Major League debut in 2027, it might not be until the final month of the season. The Reds have several reasons to keep Duno off the big-league roster until at least the middle August, not the least of which is to give him adequate time to continue his development in the minors.

Furthermore, as Reds fans could see with Sal Stewart this season, having a potential Rookie of the Year helps to bolster your farm system in the future. If Stewart wins NL Rookie of the Year, the Reds will gain an extra draft pick in 2027. Preserving Duno's rookie status for 2028 by keeping him off the Major League roster until August/ September will help the Reds do just that.

Carlos Jorge, Reds outfield prospect

It wouldn't be a total shock if Carlos Jorge got the call to join the Reds this September, but it still feels like a long shot. The diminutive outfielder is currently at Triple-A Louisville after spending more than half the season with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Jorge owned Double-A pitching to the tune of a .330/.402/.452 slash line and a 125 wRC+. The 22-year-old has plenty of speed, as evidenced by his 31 total stolen bases on the year. After TJ Friedl was placed on waivers earlier this week, it would seem that his time in Cincinnati is almost over. Jorge could give the Reds a left-handed hitting platoon partner for Dane Myers in center field next season.

Cam Collier, Reds infield prospect

Cam Collier was the Reds' first-round pick in 2022, but he's struggled to find his footing with the organization, especially after suffering a hamate injury in spring of 2025. He's been stuck at Double-A Chattanooga all season, and is hitting just .211/.288/.369 with a 68 wRC+.

The Reds have a big decision to make this offseason; do they add Collier to the 40-man roster or not? His Major League pedigree and draft status say, yes. But his play on the field says, no. It'll be interesting to see whether or not Cincinnati decides to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. If he's able to bounce back in 2027, Collier could see some time with the big league club next season.

Jay Allen II, Reds outfield prospect

Jay Allen II was left for dead prior to this season. The former first-rounder has outstanding range and athletic ability, but constantly struggled at the dish. Heading into 2026, he owned a collective .225/.345/.342 slash line with a 101 wRC+ in four-plus Minor League seasons.

But Allen turned things around at Double-A this season, and was promoted to Triple-A Louisville after hitting .280/.374/.483 with the Lookouts. He's struggled after making the jump to top-level of the minors, but some extra seasoning at the outset of the 2027 season could see Allen make his big-league debut sometime next year.

Carter Graham, Reds infield prospect

Carter Graham has been gaining recognition of late, at least inside the Reds' organization. President of baseball operations Nick Krall cited Graham as a "higher upside guy" who's having a breakout season. Graham has also found himself among the Reds' top-30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline, coming in at No. 23.

Graham is currently at Double-A Chattanooga and is hitting .278/.387/.526 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI in just 47 games with the Lookouts. When you combine his stats from earlier in the year with the Dayton Dragons, the 24-year-old is hitting .328/.424/.576 with 28 round-trippers and 89 RBI. His defensive home is still unknown, but the bat will play.

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