Reds rookie flashes tantalizing talent with first home run vs. likely Cy Young winner

Blake Dunn has been a somewhat forgotten prospect in the Cincinnati Reds farm system. Dunn began the season at Triple-A Louisville, and had a cup of coffee with the Reds earlier this season.

But how quickly fans fail to remember that Dunn was the Reds' Minor League Player of the Year in 2023. Last season, splitting time between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, Dunn hit .312/.425/.522 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI while also stealing 54 bases.

Dunn posted his first Major League home run during Thursday's blowout loss to the Atlanta Braves, and it came against the likely NL Cy Young Award-winner Chris Sale. The Reds rookie outfielder was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk, and two stolen bases. Dunn, along with other Reds rookies like Rece Hinds, and Noelvi Marte should be given increased opportunities over the final few games of the 2024 season.

Reds rookie Blake Dunn hit his first MLB home run

Dunn has been stashed away down in the minor leagues throughout the entire season while flailing players like Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild were given far too many chances in the major leagues. Though Dunn may be little more than a platoon outfielder at the Major League level (for now), has Benson given any indication that he's any better?

Dunn battled through some injuries earlier this season, and quite frankly, that's been his Achilles heel throughout his career. But prior to his early-September call-up, Dunn had been raking down in the minor leagues. The right-handed hitting outfielder posted a .283/.367/.354 slash line during the month of August. Tack on nine stolen bases, having only been caught once, and you can see that Dunn can have an impact in a rotational role.

Dunn also has reverse splits. While right-handed batters typically fare better against left-handed pitching, Dunn's numbers at Triple-A this season were much improved when he was in the batters' box facing a right-hander.

Dunn's speed, versatility, and defense should keep him around during the offseason, and it's likely that he'll be fighting for a roster spot during spring training. While his rookie season hasn't been quite what most fans expected, Dunn has shown flashes, and could become a factor heading into 2024.

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