5 Reds prospects to watch at Double-A Chattanooga in 2023

5. Reds prospects to watch at Double-A Chattanooga in 2023: Joe Boyle

Joe Boyle might have the best fastball in the entire Cincinnati Reds organization. Yes, I'm even putting it in the conversation with Hunter Greene's heater. The problem is, sometimes Boyle doesn't know exactly where it's going. That's scary.

Boyle was raw when the Reds drafted him out of Notre Dame in 2020, but his arm was absolutely electric. The question has always been about his command and control.

Last season, according to FanGraphs, Boyle posted a 36.5-percent strikeout-rate and 13.68 K/9 while pitching at High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga. Those are staggering numbers. But so was Boyle's 20.0-percent walk-rate and 7.51 BB/9.

While all the pitchers on the list have reliever-risk, Boyle is the most likely to find his way into the bullpen. Starters need three good pitchers, while relievers can get away with two. If Boyle can control his fastball and work on his slider, he could be a dangerous weapon at the end of games.

It's likely that the Cincinnati Reds continue to run out Joe Boyle as a starter in 2023, but it's doubtful he stays there once he's deemed major league-ready. But if you're in southeastern Tennessee and want to take in a show, go watch Boyle pitch. You won't be disappointed.