This underrated Reds prospect could join the rotation if Frankie Montas is traded

The Cincinnati Reds have had some major success over the past few seasons with their minor league call-ups. Players like last year's rookies Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz spring to mine, as do current frontline starters Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo .

If Cincinnati decides to make moves at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, the front office may yet again look to their farm system for someone to step up and fill a rotation slot. This is of course, under the assumption that the Reds choose to trade starter Frankie Montas.

Montas has had an average season so far. In 18 starts covering 89 innings, Montas holds a 4.85 ERA and an 88 ERA+. But with nine seasons in the major leagues, Montas could be an option for a middle-of-the-road team looking to make playoff push.

Reds prospect Julian Aguiar could join the rotation if Frankie Montas is dealt at the MLB trade deadline

If the Reds do trade Montas, look for right-handed pitching prospect Julian Aguiar to get the call to join the rotation. Aguiar, who's rated as a top-20 prospect in the Reds farm system, has dominated at every minor level over his four seasons in the Reds organization. During his time in the Reds' pipeline, Aguiar has posted a 3.21 ERA with 343 punch outs.

This season, Aguiar has been a stud to the tune of a 3.30 ERA in 95.1 innings split between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. Aguiar could inject the Reds with another young arm going into the final months of the season, especially if Montas is dealt before Tuesday's deadline.

Heading into the team's series on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds are seemingly out of contention in the National League Central, sitting 10 games back of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. But it's not too late for the Reds to make a push for the NL Wild Card.

If Montas is traded, the Reds have other options in addition to Aguiar. Lyon Richardson, Connor Phillips, and Randy Wynne have all started 10 or more games at Triple-A this season. But Aguiar is arguably the best Reds' prospect currently in the Louisville Bats' rotation.

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