5 Reds minor league predictions for the 2022 season

3. Rece Hinds becomes the talk of the Reds farm system.

We all knew coming into the 2021 minor league season that Jose Barrero was likely to have success. The same could have been said for Hunter Greene. Heading into 2022, Reds fans can expect big things from former second-round pick Rece Hinds.

The Florida high school product may have the loudest tool in the entire Cincinnati farm system. It's kind of a toss up between Hinds and former first-rounder Austin Hendrick. Hinds, who was hindered by injury in 2021, slugged .542 in just over 200 at-bats last season. Of his 52 hits, 39 (75%) went for extra bases.

The type of power that Rece Hinds possesses is unique. Not much was seen from Hinds during his first year in the Reds farm system, as a quad injury forced him out of action after just three games. During instructs in 2020, however, Hinds impressed the Reds coaches and front office staff and spent last season at Low-A Daytona.

The biggest question surrounding Hinds may be where he lines up defensively. Frankly, with the type of power he has, it doesn't really matter. Furthermore, it's almost a forgone conclusion that the National League is going to adopt the designated hitter, so at worst, the Reds could run out Hinds as the team's DH.

But, I'd love to see the Cincinnati Reds attempt to shift Rece Hinds from third base to first base. The 21-year-old is still two to three years away from making his big league debut, and the right-handed slugger may be a nice replacement for Joey Votto when the future Hall of Famer hangs up his cleats.