Reds outfielder Michael Siani is Billy Hamilton 2.0

In late-September, Michael Siani was called up to the big leagues after Cincinnati Reds' centerfielder Nick Senzel was placed on the injured list in a broken toe. Siani made just 24 plate appearances registered four base hits.

Siani has been in the Cincinnati farm system since being selected in Round 4 of 2018 MLB Draft. Siani has always been seen as a glove-over-hit type of prospect, much in the same mold of former Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton.

Hamilton was the Reds' second-round pick in 2009. Hamilton's speed and defense excited the crowd on a nightly basis, but there was just one problem; Hamilton's career on-base percentage of .292 has prevented the speedster from ever making the type of impact that so many fans were waiting to see.

Reds outfielder Michael Siani is Billy Hamilton 2.0.

Michael Siani will remind so many Reds fans of Billy Hamilton. The 23-year-old is the best defender in Cincinnati's farm system, dazzling scouts and fans alike with his elite-level speed and gathering great reads off the bat. Siani's defense was major league-ready the day he was drafted.

His bat, however, will determine what type of role Siani will actually play in the big leagues. Throughout his minor league career, Siani has maintained an on-base percentage of .336. If those numbers transition to the major leagues, Siani's speed and defense will see him become an everyday player, albeit as a No. 8 hole hitter.

It's really not even about batting average or extra-base hits with Siani. It's about getting on base consistently. Last season, at Double-A Chattanooga, Siani posted a 12.1% walk-rate. If he's able to do that in the bigs, the rest of Siani's game is will play at the major league level.

Look for Michael Siani to be in the mix to start the season on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. That said, after playing just eight games at Triple-A Louisville, it wouldn't be surprising if the speedy outfielder begins his 2023 season in the Derby City.