3 players the Reds should target in 2022 Rule 5 Draft

3. The Reds should select OF Luis Mieses (White Sox) in the Rule 5 Draft.

Okay, so a left-handed hitting outfielder should probably not be terribly high on the Cincinnati Reds list. After all, Cincinnati will have a hard enough time finding adequate playing time for TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Michael Siani. But Luis Mieses has potential and should be on the Reds' radar during the Rule 5 Draft.

Nobody is going to confuse Mieses for Fraley. While Fraley has a very patient approach and isn't afraid to take a walk, Mieses drew a free pass just 5.1% of the time in 2022. However, Mieses won't be confused for Aristides Aquino either, as the 22-year-old posted just a 16.6% strikeout-rate.

Mieses reached Double-A this past season and posted a slash line of .299/.333/.443 with eight extra-base hits in 23 games for the Birmingham Barons. Mieses has untapped power from the left side and a plus arm that could profile well in right field.

The Reds outfield is a mess. Nick Senzel can't stay healthy, Aristides Aquino was recently designated for assignment, and the quartet of Fraley, Friedl, Siani, and Stuart Fairchild are probably best suited for a platoon.

The Cincinnati Reds do not have any major league-ready outfielder in the farm system, so depth is a concern heading into next season. While a left-handed hitting outfielder is not an ideal fit, Luis Mieses would give the Reds some extra pop in the lineup.