4 Reds rookies who could debut before the 2024 season ends

Reds fans have already seen the likes of Blake Dunn, Jacob Hurtubise, and Rece Hinds make their major league debuts this season. But after seeing a number of top prospects like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand graduate to the big leagues last season, the Cincinnati faithful are curious if they'll see any other young Reds prospects make their debut in 2024.

September call-ups are just around the corner, and that's oftentimes when teams will promote some of their top prospects to the big leagues. Over the past few seasons, the Cincinnati Reds have given Spencer Steer, Fernando Cruz, and Noelvi Marte late-season reps in order to prep them for a bigger role the following season.

Reds fans may seen Nick Krall and Co. take a similar approach in 2024. While it wouldn't surprise anyone to see one of the three aforementioned outfielders recalled or longtime fan-favorite Tucker Barnhart receive a curtain call in Cincinnati, which four Reds prospects could debut before the end of the season.

Zach Maxwell, Reds RHP prospect

One of the reasons that a number of Reds fans were so upset with the lack of trades at last week's deadline was the impending roster crunch and how it would affect the bullpen. Having only traded away Lucas Sims while expecting the return of Emilio Pagán, Ian Gibaut, and even Brent Suter, will the Reds even have enough room on the roster for reliever Zach Maxwell?

That remains to be seen. The hulking right-handed pitcher is certainly worthy to be called up later this year, but there are only so many spots on the 40-man roster. Had Krall found a taker for a pitcher like Justin Wilson or Buck Farmer at the trade deadline, Maxwell would've been a shoo-in for late-season call-up. While it's still possible, Maxwell is not on the 40-man roster and could finish out the year in Triple-A.

Michael Trautwein, Reds C prospect

The addition of Tucker Barnhart to the Louisville Bats' roster may make this move all the more difficult. But it's not every day that you come across a catcher who can also play the outfield. That's exactly the type of defensive versatility that Michael Trautwein brings to the roster.

Trautwein spent time in the Arizona Fall League this past offseason and the Reds need to make a decision regarding the backstop's roster status this winter. Trautwein is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft in December and the Reds may want to get a peak at how he stacks up against major league pitching.

Rhett Lowder, Reds RHP prospect

Connor Phillips has struggled mightily this season in the minor leagues, and fellow pitching prospect Chase Petty has had his fair share of ups and downs. But Rhett Lowder has been heating up of late, and there's a chance that last year's first-round pick could receive a call-up to the big leagues later this year.

But would the Reds, in effect, allow Lowder to skip over Triple-A? That seems unlikely, but if Cincinnati's front office believes there's a good chance that Lowder could be part of the 2025 Opening Day rotation, allowing the right-hander to get a start or two in the major leagues wouldn't be the worst idea. Doing so later this season would still enable Lowder to maintain his rookie status heading into next season.

Ivan Johnson, Reds 2B prospect

A dark horse candidate to make his major league debut later this season is former fourth-round pick Ivan Johnson. It's been a slow, yet steady climb through the Reds' minor league system for the infielder. Johnson has finally shown a better eye at the dish, and while his strikeout rate is still rather concerning, the 25-year-old has the potential to fill a bench role in the major leagues.

Johnson has spent parts of three different minor league seasons at Double-A and posted a .237/.329/.418 slash line. But this season, Johnson finally pushed that on-base percentage above .350 and earned a promotion to Triple-A. In just two week's worth of games with the Louisville Bats, Johnson has put up some good numbers, and if that continues, a September call-up can't be ruled out.

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