Forgotten Reds' prospect offered a tantalizing reminder of what he could become

Yerlin Confidan signed as an international free agent in 2019, but his trek through the Cincinnati Reds farm system has moved at a glacial pace. During a game in the Arizona Fall League earlier this week, Confidan gave the Reds a tantalizing reminder of his ceiling, but he has to find a way to maintain consistency.

Confidan showed off his prodigious power for the Peoria Javelinas on Wednesday. The 23-year-old crushed a solo homer during the sixth inning that left the bat at 106.7 mph. An official distance wasn't made available, but safe to say the ball traveled well over 400 feet (especially in Arizona).

His monster home run was one of three base hits for the outfielder, who's hitting .314 with a 1.025 OPS since AFL play began earlier this month.

But power has never been Confidan's problem. Depending on which prospect outlet you follow, his raw power has graded anywhere from 55 to 70 on a scouting scale that maxes out at 80. And even his strikeout rate (23% in 2026) is acceptable for a power hitter. He also draws enough walks (9.9% BB rate) to suggest that he's able to lay off pitches outside the strike zone.

Yerlin Confidan could be the Reds breakout prospect in 2027, but he has to fix one thing

So why hasn't Confidan been able to reach his full potential? Frankly, he has a hard time getting the ball in the air. His ground ball rate has hovered around 50% since his professional debut. The issue has usually been exacerbated upon making the jump to another level of minor-league ball.

If Confidan can increase the launch angle while still making contact, he could quickly accelerate through the Reds' farm system and potentially reach the majors by the end of next season. Oftentimes, however, this strategy results in an increased number of strikeouts and less contact overall — neither of which would help his ascension to the big leagues.

The Reds dismissed one of their biggest power bats this past season after designating Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment. He found his footing with the Baltimore Orioles, however, and looks to be key piece for the O's moving forward. Hopefully the Reds take that lesson to heart and aren't so quick to dismiss Confidan despite his continual struggles in the minors.

Nevertheless, Confidan has to breakthrough at some point if he hopes to catch the attention of the Reds' front office. His performance in the AFL is a good start, and if he's able to continue slugging this fall, he could put himself in prime position next season.

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