Reds top prospect scores game-winning run on the wildest play you'll ever see

The Cincinnati Reds have so many top prospects, that there are a few players who've flown under the radar during the first few weeks of the 2024 season. Reds fans know the names Cam Collier and Chase Petty, but few have heard the name Ricardo Cabrera.

But Cabrera has gotten off to a hot start with the Daytona Tortugas. Cabrera spent most of last season in the Arizona Complex League, but did have a cup of coffee with the Tortugas in 2023. The 19-year-old is hitting .333/.433/.549 with two home runs through 14 games.

But on Wednesday night against the St. Lucie Mets, Cabrera was involved in one of the wildest plays you'll ever see. Though it didn't up his home run total, Cabrera did come around to score on a ball that he hit.

Reds top prospect Ricardo Cabrera scores game-winning run on the wild play

After Yassel Pino struck out to start the bottom of the ninth inning with the Tortugas trailing by one run, Daytona's next two batters drew a pair of walks. With Connor Burns at second and Malvin Valdez at first, Cabrera stepped into the batters' box looking to do damage.

A 1-1 pitch right down the heart of the plate was laced into right-center field. Burns rolled around the bases to score the tying run, and Valdez was waved home by the third base coach. A tremendous relay was able to help the Mets cut down the play at the dish as Cabrera stopped at second base.

However, as the Mets' catcher applied the tag, he became so concerned with making sure the umpire knew he had the ball that he lost track of Cabrera on the base paths. The Tortugas infielder, knowing there was just two outs, alertly took off for third base. An errarnt throw from St. Lucie's catcher flew past the third baseman, allowing Cabrera to score on a Little League home run (it was officially scored as a double). The dugout emptied and the Cabrera was mobbed by his teammates.

MLB Pipeline ranks Cabrera as the Reds' ninth-best prospect. Cabrera was an international free agent signee in 2022 but didn't come states-side until last season. Edwin Arroyo is the Reds top shortstop prospect, but is sidelined for the entire 2024 season following a shoulder injury. With some increased exposure, Cabrera could become a household name by season's end.

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