This pitcher now ranks among the Reds Top 30 prospects

MLB Pipeline recently updated their list of Top 30 prospects within the Cincinnati Reds organization after Matt McLain "graduated".

The outlet still has six prospects among the Top 100, including Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Andrew Abbott, and Noelvi Marte. De La Cruz and Abbott will graduate very soon as well.

But with McLain no longer viewed as a prospect in the eyes of MLB Pipeline, young pitcher Julian Aguiar has replaced the Reds shortstop among the Top 30 prospects in the Cincinnati farm system.

Julian Aguiar now ranks among the Reds Top 30 prospects.

Julian Aguiar was actually part of the same draft class as both Matt McLain and Andrew Abbott. A 12th-round selection in 2021, Aguiar is currently at High-A Dayton and has been one of the fastest risers in the Cincinnati Reds farm system.

Aguiar, who just 22 years old, spent the final week-plus of the 2022 season with the Dayton Dragons and has been a starter at High-A throughout his 2023 campaign. The right-hander currently owns a win-loss record of 4-1 through 12 starts with 64 strikeouts in less than 60 innings pitched and a 1.97 ERA.

A four-pitch combination gives the young hurler an opportunity to remain as a starter, with his fastball being the best offering in his arsenal. With some sinking action, Aguiar owns a 52.4-percent ground ball-rate according to FanGraphs.

Pitching is relatively new to Julian Aguiar, so don't expect the yoiung hurler to rocket up through the Cincinnati Reds farm system. According to MLB Pipeline, Aguair didn't even become a full-time pitcher until the abbreviated 2020 season at El Camino Junior College.

The Reds pitching depth up and down the minor leagues is quite impressive. While top-rated starters like Connor Phillips occupy a spot among the Top 10 prospects in the Cincinnati farm system, Aguiar, Bryce Hubbart, and Jose Acuña are making their presence felt as well.