5 Reds minor league predictions for the 2022 season

2. Reds shortstop prospect Matt McLain transitions to center field.

The Cincinnati Reds have a bevy of talented middle infielders in their farm system. So many, that a position change is necessary for at least one. Of all the Reds infield prospects, last year's first-round pick, Matt McLain, is the most likely to make the transition.

I don't want to hear about how it's insanely dumb for an organization to turn an infielder into an outfielder. This sort of thing happens all the time. Shortstop prospects are typically the most athletically-gifted players on their team, so it's no surprise that some of the best centerfielder prospects were once shortstops.

Billy Hamilton comes to mind. The former Reds centerfielder was drafted as a shortstop, but Cincinnati soon moved him to the outfield grass. The San Diego Padres are likely to follow suit with CJ Abrams. The New York Mets may soon do the same with top shortstop prospect Ronny Mauricio, and the Minnesota Twins have played shortstop prospect Royce Lewis in center field.

Even if McLain sees time split between both shortstop and center field, it's a step in the right direction for the former UCLA Bruin. The Reds are stacked with shortstops at the moment. Kyle Farmer just put up fine numbers in his first year as the starter but will likely be pushed for playing time by the up-and-coming Jose Barrero.

With both Barrero and Farmer battling it out in camp and the uber-talented Elly De La Cruz ready to rocket through the Cincinnati farm system, the Reds need to adjust their plans for Matt McLain. We also cannot forget about Ivan Johnson, a former fourth-rounder who can play both second base and shortstop.

Cincinnati's best centerfield prospect at the moment is Michael Siani. While Siani's defense is MLB-ready right now, the former fourth-round pick has yet to prove that he can consistently make contact. McLain started 27 games for High-A Dayton in 2021; all at shortstop. I expect Cincinnati to stretch his defensive versatility this coming season.