Unheralded Reds prospect climbs farm system rankings

The Cincinnati Reds have seen a growing number of top prospects "graduate" to the major leagues this season. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer have all shed the term prospect and traded it in for the title of major leaguer.

After Andrew Abbott's stellar performance on Thursday afternoon, the left-handed pitcher is no longer considered a prospect. Well, at least according to MLB Pipeline.

The outlet removed Abbott from the Reds list of top prospects and replaced him with a player who actually part of the same draft class. Blake Dunn has earned his spot among the Reds Top 30 prospects.

Unheralded Reds prospect Blake Dunn climbs farm system rankings.

Blake Dunn, who was selected in Round 15 of the 2021 MLB Draft, has had a breakout campaign in 2023. The 24-year-old is hitting .311/.417/.493 while splitting time between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga this season.

Dunn, a product of Western Michigan, fell down draft boards in 2021 following an injury that limited him to just 20 games. But in the 27 games he did play, Dunn posted an OPS of 1.051 with eight of 18 base hits going for extra bases.

Injuries have been the story for Blake Dunn, as he's only appeared in 129 games through his first two-plus seasons as a professional. But when Dunn is on the field, he's a tough out for opposing pitchers.

Dunn is also lightning quick on the base paths. The outfielder already has 37 stolen bases in the minor leagues this season, making him a perfect fit for what the Cincinnati Reds have cultivated this season.

While it's unlikely that Blake Dunn will receive a September call-up, he could make his way to Triple-A Louisville by season's end and be in line to grab a spot on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster in 2024. Keep your eye on Blake Dunn.