Cincinnati Reds fans should be excited about the future. MLB Pipeline released their newest Top 100 prospect list and the Redlegs are well represented.
Of the 100 spots up for grabs, Reds prospects occupy six of them. Only the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, and Los Angeles Dodgers have more prospects ranked inside the Top 100.
Of the six players, the Reds have an even mix of home-grown talent and prospects acquired via trade. So which six Cincinnati Reds prospects made the cut?
6. Reds prospects: Andrew Abbott, LHP (No. 99)
Andrew Abbott started the year at Double-A Chattanooga. The left-hander made three starts where he had a 64.3-percent strikeout rate and a FIP of -0.52. That’s right, NEGATIVE.
Abbott was quickly called up to Triple-A after winning Double-A Southern League Pitcher of the Month. Since joining the Louisville Bats, Abbott has pitched well but has fallen back down to earth slightly.
The 23-year-old lefty still owns a 34.9-percent strikeout rate, but his walk-rate and more importantly his home run rate have seen an increase. The sample size is still small at Triple-A, but there is plenty of time to adjust to a new level of competition.
The good news for Abbott is the successful start turned in by fellow lefty Brandon Williamson in his major league debut. The immediate need for rotation help isn’t fully there at the moment, which allows Abbott to hone his craft in the minors.
MLB Pipeline still forecasts Andrew Abbott's major league arrival in 2023. The fanbase should all anticipate the Virginia University alum to be in a Cincinnati Reds uniform in the coming months.
5. Reds prospects: Matt McLain, SS (No. 94)
Matt McLain was put on this updated list, and just as quickly, was called up to make his MLB debut in Colorado this past Monday night. McLain started his 2023 campaign off with a bang and proceeded to be the hottest hitter in all of Minor League Baseball.
During his 38-game stay in Louisville, McLain put the baseball world on notice. According to FanGraphs, McLain posted a slash line of .348/.474/.710 with a 193 wRC+, the 23-year-old shortstop showed the Cincinnati Reds front office he was more than ready.
His 12 home runs were just five shy of the 17 he hit all last season. McLain’s power surge was impressive, especially in a lineup as star-studded as the Louisville Bats. Now that he is on the big league roster, McLain has assumed the role of starting shortstop. His Great American Ball Park debut will come against the New York Yankees this weekend.