Known for his defensive prowess, Reds prospect Mike Siani is producing at the plate as well

Chattanooga Lookouts outfielder Mike Siani has been among the top prospects in the Cincinnati Reds farm system for quite some time. Siani would be on the roster today if all it took to be a major leaguer was the ability to play elite-level defense.

Siani has the speed, defensive instincts, and arm strength to be a Gold Glove-caliber centerfielder in the majors. But much like former Reds centerfielder Billy Hamilton, Siani has always had issues at the plate.

But, things appear to be looking up for the 22-year-old. This is crucial year in Siani's development. If he's not added to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster this offseason, Siani will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.

Reds prospect Mike Siani is making strides in 2022.

Mike Siani has never registered a wRC+ above 100 in his three minor league seasons. I know it's still early, but according to FanGraphs, Siani has a wRC+ of 115 through 29 games with Double-A Chattanooga.

Siani is slashing .275/.362/.431 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases. The most impressive stat, however, has to be Siani's 13.4% strikeout-rate. That is a career-best for a player that has historically seen his K-rate above 20.0%.

In 2021, Mike Siani played 14 games for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League. Siani hit .300/.451/.450 with three doubles, a home run, and 10 stolen bases.

It will be interesting to see if the Cincinnati Reds think highly enough of Mike Siani to promote the Pennsylvania native to Triple-A Louisville at some point this season. That would be the ultimate test for the left-handed hitting Siani.

The tools on the defensive side have been since Siani was drafted in 2018, but if he can be just an average hitter, the speedster will find an everyday role on the Cincinnati Reds. Siani is still likely a year away, but his production in the first month-plus of 2022 season has been eye-catching.