FanGraphs tabs 3 Cincinnati Reds among their Top 100 prospects of 2022

Like many other publications before them, the folks over at FanGraphs have tabbed three Cincinnati Reds prospects among their Top 100 entering the 2022 season. The usual suspects; right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene, left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo, and infielder Elly De La Cruz all made the cut.

Greene is widely recognized as Cincinnati's top prospect. The former No. 2 overall pick is expected to compete for a spot in the Reds rotation this spring, and depending on if any trades take place before the season begins, Greene could find himself on the Reds Opening Day roster. FanGraphs ranks Greene at No. 31.

Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are the Reds top prospects.

If not, expect to see Greene begin the 2022 season at Triple-A Louisville. If Greene begins this upcoming season in the minors, you can be sure he won't stay there for long. Expect to see Hunter Greene make his major league debut in 2022.

As for Nick Lodolo, who FanGraphs ranked No. 51 on their list, he too will be competing for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds rotation. Because Lodolo has yet to be added to the Reds 40-man roster, the southpaw is in minor league spring training this week.

While Greene gets all the publicity for his 100-plus MPH fastball, Lodolo might be the more polished of the two hurlers. While Greene has a higher ceiling, Lodolo has a higher floor. Much like Hunter Greene, fans should expect to see Nick Lodolo make his big league debut next season.

Elly De La Cruz comes in at No. 59. One of the fastest risers in all of minor league baseball, De La Cruz wasn't on anyone's radar last season. But a strong showing once the Dominican came state-side allowed talent evaluators to see that Cincinnati could have a five-tool player on their hands.

Like every other outlet has said, the group of writers over at FanGraphs see Elly De La Cruz as "a boom-or-bust prospect who could really bust or go supernova." If the Reds strike gold with De La Cruz, he could be the team's biggest prospect since Jay Bruce debuted in 2008. Still, we'll have to wait a few years, as De La Cruz isn't expected to make his major league debut for a few more years.