New FanGraphs prospect rankings just put this Reds pitcher firmly in the spotlight

Most times, you'll see a lot of agreement between different evaluators regarding the potential of a particular prospect. Sure, one outlet might rank a particular player as a club's No. 4 prospect, and another publication might peg him at No. 5, but typically, there isn't much variance. Every once in a while, however, we're reminded how inexact a science prospect evaluation truly is. That's the case here with Cincinnati Reds youngster Jose Franco.

Franco is No. 24 on MLB Pipeline's list of top Reds prospects behind a plethora of more highly-regarded hurlers. However, FanGraphs recently dropped their own list of the top 39 Reds prospects heading into 2026, and their view of Franco's value differs wildly, with them naming him as the sixth-best prospect in the system.

The difference is staggering, but there has to be a reason for the discrepancy. Franco was named the Reds' minor league Pitcher of the Year for his work in 2025, so there must be more talent there than just minor league fodder.

FanGraphs' new Reds prospect rankings vault Jose Franco to the forefront

FanGraphs prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen had this to say regarding Franco's ranking, "His ability to pair elevated fastballs with surprise breakers in the zone gives him the attack foundation of a backend starter, and in Franco’s case, it’s fair to say he’s going to have a plus fastball now that he’s shown he can hold big velo all year. He’s a threat to root into the back of Cincinnati’s rotation at some point in 2026 and projects as a long-term no. 4/5 starter."

On the flip side, Longenhagen also notes that Franco's changeup leaves something to be desired, leaving him vulnerable against lefties. He also points out that Franco's slider and curveball can bleed into each other, making them both "average" offerings, though he makes up for it with deception in his delivery.

Ironically, MLB Pipeline's scouting report for Franco reads more optimistic, with them noting that his slider has a high spin rate and misses a lot of bats, and a belief that his changeup is at least playable.

Part of the reason that Franco has flown under the radar has been injuries and other obstacles. He signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic back in 2018, spent three years in Single-A, and missed the 2023 campaign while recovering from Tommy John Surgery. It wasn't until 2024 that he got a taste of action at High-A Dayton, and 2025 was the first season he topped 77 innings pitched.

Despite these trials and tribulations, he posted a 3.11 ERA with 9.65 K/9 in 110 innings split almost evenly between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. His fastball was tantalizing, sitting at 95 with rise and hitting 98 miles per hour when he reached back for extra gas.

The Reds clearly believe in him, adding him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, but that move was about more than just protecting a future asset. It also sets the scene for Franco to make his big league debut in 2026, and there's a chance that once the 25-year-old arrives, he won't be going back down.

With highly regarded arms like Rhett Lowder and Chase Petty, in addition to a more under-the-radar gems like Franco, it's no wonder the Reds have been rumored to trade a starter this offseason. When it comes to starting pitching, the pipeline looks strong, and a reshuffling of assets could help build a more well-rounded team. Players like Franco will go a long way towards making that a reality.