Young Reds talent receive new uniform numbers prior to spring training

With the recent news that the Cincinnati Reds have not had any contract discussions with Nick Castellanos' representatives, it stands to reason that it's time to award his uniform number to another player.

Jose Barrero, the Reds top infield prospect will don No. 2 during the 2022 season. Barrero had previously worn No. 38 during both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Cuban will enter the 2022 season in competition for the Reds starting shortstop job with fellow infielder Kyle Farmer. Farmer switched the digits on his uniform from No. 52 to No. 17 last spring.

Reds youngsters get new uniform numbers heading into spring camp.

In addition to Jose Barrero wearing No. 2, the Cincinnati Reds top pitching prospect will have a new uniform number as well. Hunter Greene, who wore No. 79 during spring training last year, has been given No. 21. With reliever Michael Lorenzen agreeing to a one-year deal with his hometown Los Angeles Angels prior to the MLB lockout, the uniform number became available.

Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Reds No. 1 overall prospect, Greene is expected to be in the mix for the team's No. 5 starter this spring. The flame-throwing right-hander will be going head-to-head with fellow prospects Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft.

Speaking of Ashcraft, the right-hander will be wearing No. 51 in spring camp. Ashcraft wowed scouts and talent evaluators alike last season. Once thought to be a relief pitching prospect, Ashcraft's dominance at both High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga as a starter, will likely see him begin the 2022 with Triple-A Louisville. A strong showing there could see Ashcraft debut in the bigs this season.

Most of the newer additions to the Reds roster have some not-so-common uniform numbers. Pitcher Jame Marinan (81), pitcher Daniel Duarte (82), pitcher Alexis Diaz (84), outfielder Allan Cerda (86), and pitcher Jared Solomon (87) were all added to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster this winter. Luis Cessa is still wearing No. 85, a number he wore while playing with the New York Yankees.