How one NL Central rival's deep pool of prospects could end up benefitting the Reds

The release of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list likely elicited some groans from Cincinnati Reds fans. After all, the division-rival Chicago Cubs placed seven players on the list, best among all NL teams. To add insult to injury, six of those players are predicted to figure into the big-league picture at some point this season. However, it’s not time to hit the panic button quite yet.

The 2025 season seems to be a transitional moment for the Cubs. They have spent the past few weeks signing and trading for veteran talent, including Kyle Tucker, Ryan Pressly, and Jon Berti. That gives the Cubs a strong core while the new guys develop, but it doesn’t prevent the logjam that seems to be looming on the horizon.

NL Central rivals: Reds shouldn’t be too concerned that the Cubs are teeming with top prospects

First of all, five of the seven prospects are not on Chicago’s 40-man roster. This is most problematic for Matt Shaw, who will likely compete for the starting job at third base and will need to be added. The Cubs are further handcuffed by their selection of Gage Workman in the Rule 5 Draft this offseason; Workman has to remain on the 26-man roster or be offered back to the Detriot Tigers.

The prospects aside from Shaw are blocked at their position. Kevin Alcántara may see more time in the outfield, but it seems unlikely that both he and Owen Caissie will compete for meaningful reps with Tucker, Ian Happ, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The same goes for second baseman James Triantos, who is stuck behind Gold Glove winner Nico Hoerner.

In short, the Cubs are attempting to have their cake and eat it, too. (Or have their big-name stars and usher in the next generation.) This is a landscape from which the Reds can benefit.

Sooner or later, Chicago will need to cut the chaff from the 40-man roster. The DFAs are coming, particularly for the relievers. Keegan Thompson, Julian Merryweather, and former first-rounder Jordan Wicks are all out of options but may not make the Opening Day roster. Considering the state of the Reds’ bullpen, Chicago’s loss could be Cincy’s gain.

Reds prospects: Cam Collier and Sal Stewart don't need to be added to the 40-man roster just yet

Unlike the Cubs, the Reds’ prospects won’t come into play until a few seasons from now, when the current roster has opened up a bit. Cam Collier and Sal Stewart, who were snubbed by Baseball America but appeared on MLB’s Top 100, are still in Double-A.

The wait may be doubly worth it, as some pundits have already written off some of Chicago's prospects; The Athletic’s Keith Law (subscription required) named five Reds to the Cubs' four.

We’ll have to see how these players’ development shakes out. If nothing else, the NL Central seems like it’ll be the home of homegrown talent for the next several years.

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