Quick-rising Reds prospect named Southern League Player of the Month

The Cincinnati Reds have seen several top prospects make their way from the minor leagues to the major leagues this season. Along the way, many have received their fair share of accolades.

Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and Connor Phillips have all, at some point this season, received minor league player of the year or player of the month award. But while those three were well-known even before the season began, this fast-rising prospect has come out of nowhere.

Blake Dunn, a 15th-round pick of the Reds back in 2021, was named Southern League Player of the Month for July after absolutely raking over the past 30 days.

Reds quick-rising prospect Blake Dunn named Southern League Player of the Month.

Blake Dunn has emerged from relative obscurity and an injury-riddled 2022 season to become one of the Cincinnati Reds top outfield prospects this season. Dunn is now among the Reds' Top 30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

During the month of July, Dunn led the Southern League in batting average, on-base percentage, hits, runs scored, and stolen bases. On the season, the 24-year-old is hitting .323/.428/.503 with 30 extra-base hits and 60 RBI while splitting time between High-A Daytona and Double-A Chattanooga.

If there's one thing the Reds organization needs, it's outfield depth. The surprising trio of TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Will Benson have exceeded expectations this season, but the Cincinnati farm system is light on top outfield talent.

Blake Dunn has plus-speed and an above-average hit tool. While not necessarily known as a power hitter, he's shown plenty of pop this season. With a number of injuries that slowed his development now in the rearview mirror, Dunn has been given a chance to flourish.

There's an outside chance that Blake Dunn will make it all the way to Triple-A later this season. If the Western Michigan alum keeps hitting the way he did during the month of July, it's going to be hard to keep him in Double-A for much longer.