Strong fall league performance could propel this Reds prospect onto the 2024 Opening Day roster

Diehard Reds fans will have already heard the name Jacob Hurtibise, but the outfielder may be a bit foreign to those who don't keep a close watch on the minor leagues.

Hurtibise, a graduate of West Point, was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 2020 and has been steadily making his way up through the pipeline. This year, Hurtibise made it all the way to Triple-A, and it was just announced that the 25-year-old will play in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) this year.

Hurtibise may be the best Reds prospect you've never heard of, but a strong showing in the AFL could propel the outfielder onto Cincinnati's 2024 Opening Day roster.

Strong fall league performance could propel Jacob Hurtibise onto the Reds 2024 Opening Day roster.

Jacob Hurtibise is tearing it up at Triple-A . With just over 130 at-bats for the Louisville Bats this season, Hurtibise is hitting .386/.541/.466. No, that's not a misprint, his on-base percentage is higher than his slugging percentage.

Hurtibise has an incredibly keen eye at the dish. At every stop throughout his minor league career, Hurtibise has maintained a walk-rate above 10-percent. According to FanGraphs, Hurtibise's walk-rate in 33 games at Triple-A Louisville is 22.8-percent.

The Arizona Fall League is often a proving grounds for young prospects. This past year, both Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain logged some time in the AFL. Hurtibise will be the lone Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect who'll be part of the Surprise Saguaros. Joining Hurtibise with infielder Austin Callahan, catcher Michael Trautwein, and five pitching prospects.

The Reds will surely add Jacob Hurtibise to the 40-man roster this offseason in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Hurtibise might be a long shot to make next year's Opening Day roster, but his on-base skills and speed could be a great benefit to next year's Reds team.