Allan Cerda could slug his way onto the Reds Opening Day roster

The Cincinnati Reds surprisingly non-tendered outfield prospect Allan Cerda earlier this offseason. Thankfully the 23-year-old went unclaimed and returned to the Reds on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Cerda put up terrific numbers in the minor leagues during the 2021 season, which led to the Reds adding the young outfielder to the team's 40-man roster during the offseason. Unfortunately, Cerda was unable to significantly build off the momentum he established.

After posting an impressive .884 OPS while playing for both Low-A Daytona and High-A Dayton in 2021, Cerda slashed .208/.360/.444 while splitting time with the Dayton Dragons and Chattanooga Lookouts.

Allan Cerda could slug his way onto the Reds Opening Day roster.

Allan Cerda has huge power. In 2021, Cerda smashed 17 home runs and slugged .523 while also logging 22 doubles and recording 55 runs batted in. Even last year, Cerda's power was on full display with a .444 slugging percentage and 24 homers.

The Reds outfield, outside the recent addition of Wil Myers, is severely lacking in the power department. Jake Fraley, Stuart Fairchild, and TJ Friedl have flashed power, but none of the trio is likely to hit 15 or more round trippers in a season.

Cerda, on the other hand, has the potential to bash 20-plus home runs per season. That said, Cerda has struggled with strikeouts, especially last season. After posting a 28.9% strikeout-rate in 2021, that jumped to 33.2% last season. Still, Cerda posted a wRC+ of 121 in 2022.

Not only does Cerda possess tremendous power, but he's also a skilled defender. Between his ability to read fly balls off the bat along with his speed, Cerda could easily be an above-average defender in the majors.

The Cincinnati Reds are looking for someone, currently on the roster, to grab ahold of the reigns in center field. Nick Senzel, if healthy, may have the inside track. But Allan Cerda, along with several others, will be competing for