3 surprising prospects who will shine at Reds spring training

Blake Dunn, Outfielder

Blake Dunn has an outside chance to actually make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. While the prospect pool isn't as deep as last year's, Dunn is at the top. A non-roster invitee to big league camp this spring, Dunn will be looking to prove that what everyone saw in the minor leagues last season was no fluke.

Despite tearing up the opposition in 2023, Dunn is still not viewed as a Top 20 prospect in the Reds organization according to MLB Pipeline. That seems like a gross oversight for a player with a .947 OPS.

Dunn did everything asked of him last season, and was named the Reds Minor League Player of the Year. Elly De La Cruz earned the award last season, so Dunn has some big shoes to fill. De La Cruz, however, did not make the Reds 2023 Opening Day roster and was called up in early-June.

If Dunn puts forth a productive performance in the Cactus League this spring, that would seem to be the most logical path forward for the Western Michigan alum. Just like De La Cruz a year ago, Dunn displayed power, speed, and defense while hitting .312/.425/.522 with a wRC+ of 158 according to FanGraphs.

Blake Dunn can play all three outfield spots and may eventually be that right-handed hitting outfield bat that Reds Country was craving this offseason. Dunn has an advanced approach at the plate and used his speed to swipe 58 bags in 2023. Dunn will make his major league debut during the upcoming season; it's just a matter of when.