These fast-rising Reds prospects deserve attention after hot start

The Cincinnati Reds farm system is still loaded. Despite losing the likes of Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and Matt McLain to the big leagues in 2023, the Reds still have a bevy of talented young players in the minor leagues.

Most Reds fans are excited about the current season, and why shouldn't they be? But given how well some of the Reds prospects have started out this season, it might not be long before several of the organization's young stars follow in the footsteps of De La Cruz and others.

These fast-rising Reds prospects deserve attention after hot start

Baseball is a long season, but it's always a good idea to start fast. It's oftentimes said that you can't win a pennant in April, but you can certainly lose it. The same holds true for the group of young players down on the farm. You might not get called up to The Show during the first week of the season, but you can get buried on the roster if you don't assert yourself early on. These fast-rising Reds prospects are off to a hot start.

Zach Maxwell, Reds RHP prospect

If you haven't heard the name Zach Maxwell yet, you will. The reliever is dominating down at Double-A Chattanooga, and there's a great chance that Maxwell will be part of the Reds bullpen by the end of the 2024 season.

Maxwell is striking out 75% of the batters he's faced this season. Think about that; three out of every four hitters that step into the batters' box against Maxwell is walking back to the dugout with his head hung in shame. But there's no shame in losing a battle against Maxwell. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound hurler is able to reach back and little it rip. Maxwell's command (8.3% walk rate) has been much better this season as well.

Cam Collier, Reds 3B prospect

Cam Collier is taking the criticism he received last season personally. The former first-round pick dropped off about every single top-100 prospect list across the internet after Collier hit just .246/.349/.356 at Low-A Daytona last season.

But Collier has come out like a house afire this season. Though he hasn't drawn too many walks in the early-going, Collier is hitting .353/.371/.559 through his first eight games this season. Collier may well be back in the good graces of scouts and talent evaluators by season's end, but he's likely unconcerned with what they think.

Hector Rodriguez, Reds OF prospect

If David Stearns were in charge of the New York Mets back in 2022, Hector Rodriguez would never have been traded to the Reds. But the Cincinnati faithful can tip their hat to Billy Eppler for sending Rodriguez to the Queen City. Rodriguez was part of the trade that send former Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin to the Big Apple.

Rodriguez is a developing talent, and he's started off the 2024 season red-hot. The 20-year-old outfielder is currently suiting up for the Dayton Dragons while hitting .364/.400/.576. Rodriguez has cut down on the strikeouts through his first nine games this season with four of his 12 hits going for extra bases.

Adam Serwinowski, Reds LHP prospect

Adam Serwinowski is a new name for most fans throughout Reds Country. The 19-year-old was a 15th-round pick of the Reds back in 2022. The left-hander spent his first two season pitching at the Arizona Complex League while the Reds pitching staff helped to perfect his strength and conditioning among other things.

Serwinowski hasn't allowed a run in his first two outings this season and has struck out 42.9% of the batters he's faced through eight innings of work. At 6-foot-5, Serwinowski is extremely projectable and could find his way on a path to the big leagues if he can continue to develop his pitch repertoire. Keep an eye on Serwinowski as the Daytona Tortugas move forward in 2024.

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