5 most highly-anticipated Reds prospects in team history

3. Aroldis Chapman was one of the Reds most anticipated prospects.

In early 2010, there was a buzz around baseball. There was a left-handed pitcher from Cuba who could throw fastballs upwards of 100 mph, and do so with regularity.

When the Cincinnati Reds signed Aroldis Chapman in January of 2010, there were a few concerns. Was Chapman able to maintain command and control with such an explosive heater? And how did he fit in the current Cincinnati rotation that featured Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey, and Johny Cueto?

But these concerns were over shadowed by his electric fastball. After signing with Cincinnati, the Reds management made the decision to move Chapman to the bullpen. His command concerns were on full display, walking over five batters per nine inning during his first stint at Triple-A.

After making a brief appearance in the majors in 2010, coming into 2011, Chapman was a top 10 prospect in the sport. Chapman began the 2011 season in the minor leagues again, but after only 13 innings at Triple-A Louisville, the Cuban Missile got the call to the big leagues.

Aroldis Chapman proceeded to dominate for six years in Cincinnati, striking out over 500 batters on his way to 146 saves as the Reds closer. The anticipation and hype surrounding Chapman was incredible, but very much warranted.