4 Cincinnati Reds prospects who will exceed expectations in 2022

4. Allan Cerda, Reds OF prospect

I'm going to keep banging the drum for Allan Cerda. The Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect was added to the team's 40-man roster shortly before the MLB lockout, thus protecting the 22-year-old from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.

Cerda has all the tools to be a productive major league player. After spending the 2019 at Greenville, Cerda, like many minor leaguers, missed the opportunity to elevate his stock due to the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season.

But, Cerda returned to the diamond in 2021 and proved that he has what it takes to be an impact player. Splitting time between Low-A Daytona and High-A Dayton, Cerda hit .250 while launching 17 round trippers and racking up 55 RBIs. Collectively, Cerda posted an OPS of .884 and wRC+ of 136.

Allan Cerda is big and athletic and can play up the middle of the outfield. His arm is above average, and if he continues to develop in that area, could become a solid right fielder. But, having a power-hitting centerfielder is a luxury few teams can claim. If Cerda continues to develop, the Reds may have a star on their hands.

Next season will be key for Cerda's development, having been added to the 40-man roster, the outfielder's time to make an impact at the big league level is ticking. This may force Cincinnati to elevate Cerda to Double-A Chattanooga at the start of the 2022 season.

If there's one prospect, in addition to Elly De La Cruz, to keep an eye on over the next two years, it's Allan Cerda. Yes, there's some swing-and-miss in his bat, but he also posted an impressive 11.3% walk-rate in 2021. That keen eye will help Cerda reach his ceiling as one of Cincinnati's top prospects in 2022.