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This Reds prospect could receive September call-up if recent surge continues

Michael Trautwein is one of the Reds most versatile prospects.

By Abigail Miskowiec |
Cincinnati Reds non-roster invitee catcher Michael Trautwein walks back to the plate in the bullpen during spring training workouts, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at the team s spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz.
Cincinnati Reds non-roster invitee catcher Michael Trautwein walks back to the plate in the bullpen during spring training workouts, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at the team s spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

A quick glance at Michael Trautwein’s performance with Triple-A Louisville this season likely would not leave one awe-inspired or clamoring for a September call-up. A recent hot streak, though, could put the versatile prospect in position to help the big league club.

Trautwein, who got reps in the Arizona Fall League and at spring training, struggled in the first half of the season, entering the All-Star break with a .190 batting average and slugging .365. He racked up 72 strikeouts over 58 games. When the Reds were auditioning outfielders such as Rece Hinds, Trautwein, who plays both outfield and catcher, wasn’t close to the conversation.

Michael Trautwein, despite a slow start, may be earning a big league look thanks to a recent hot streak.

Since the All-Star break, Trautwein has been a different player. Going into the Louisville Bats' homestand that began August 6, his OPS in the second half is .869; it was .631 in the first half. He has walked more in the past 11 games than he did in the months of May and June combined.

Some of this, though, could be the result of luck. During this hot run, Trautwein’s wOBA (.370) is nearly 10 percent higher than what would be expected (.272) according to Statcast. His batting average on balls in play also indicates a coming regression, as it is .438.

Consider that the Reds didn’t trade for a big league outfielder at the deadline, though, they could wish to try to catch lightning in a bottle before Trautwein comes back down to earth. He has hit lefties well this season, posting a .261/.313/.557 line against southpaws. Cincinnati slugs just .377 against lefties, so perhaps Trautwein could use his positional flexibility to platoon.

Two hurdles, though, stand in Trautwein’s way. He is not on the 40-man roster, and it seems doubtful that the Reds would want to outright or waive a player for such a streaky bat. Also, Cincinnati reunited with Tucker Barnhart, whose familiarity and veteran presence would certainly be preferred should a third catching option be needed.

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