3 Reds players who've exceeded expectations during their first year with the organization

The Cincinnati Reds have seen several top prospects make their major league debut this season. Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and Matt McLain have certainly made their presence felt in the Queen City.

But while all those young players have made an impact, they've all been part of the Reds organization for at least a year or more. Cincinnati has received some tremendous contributions from some veterans who just joined the ball club this year.

While most of the Reds free agent additions have left a lot to be desired, a couple have shown that they have staying power along the banks of the Ohio River. Which three Reds players have exceeded expectations during their first year with the organization?

1. Pitcher Alex Young has exceeded expectations in his 1st year with the Reds.

Alex Young has saved the Cincinnati Reds' bacon on more than one occasion this season. Signed to a minor-league contract during the offseason, Young latched on with the Reds prior to Opening Day and has been one of the most reliable arms out of the bullpen this season.

After Reiver Sanmartin's injury and before the team picked up Sam Moll at the trade deadline, Young was the lone left-hander in the Reds bullpen. Though he had reverse splits on the season, sometimes just having a like-handed pitcher on the mound is enough to confuse a left-handed hitter.

Young, along with Buck Farmer, Alexis Diaz, and Ian Gibaut, has been called upon early and often this season. Young has logged more than 50 appearances in 2023 and owns a sub-3.00 ERA.

It was rather odd that the Cincinnati Reds were even able to acquire Alex Young at the price they did during the offseason based on his production in 2022. But Reds manager David Bell is certainly glad they did. Young is 29 years old, but is under team control through 2026.

3. Catcher Luke Maile has exceeded expectations in his 1st year with the Reds.

I will freely admit that I've been overly critical of Luke Maile this season. There were moments throughout 2023 when it made absolutely zero sense to carry three catchers, and yet the Cincinnati Reds did it anyway.

But after seeing how well Maile has played, especially of late, I dare say that he is the Reds best catcher, and I hope the team has aspirations of bringing him back in 2024.

Everyone knew coming into 2023 that Maile's glove was his best asset. Former first-round pick Tyler Stephenson was supposed to carry the heavy lumber, Curt Casali was said to have that great rapport with the pitching staff, and Maile would be fine defensive catcher that might seen the field once a week.

One-third of the way through the season, I don't think it's hyperbole to say that Maile is the Reds best catcher. In fact, he's played so well that it's almost guaranteed that the Cincinnati Reds front office will look to bring him back in 2024.

Stephenson's future is still rather muddled. Whether he's still recovering from shoulder surgery or is just regressing from his first two seasons is unknown. But what is known is that there isn't a catcher in the Reds farm system who is ready to take over behind the plate in 2024. There may not even be a developmental catcher ready until midway through the 2025 season.

No one is going to confuse Luke Maile for Johnny Bench. But he's as consistent as they come behind the plate, is a great team leader, and has come up with clutch hits on more than one occasion. Maile has found success during his first season in Cincinnati.