Reds first-round bust may finally have his first real chance at a roster spot

You've probably heard it said before that baseball is a game of failure, and that's true. But it's also a game of second chances. Former Cincinnati Reds like Scooter Gennett and Josh Hamilton are shining examples of players who struggled early in their careers, and eventually found success in the big leagues.

Former Reds first-round pick Austin Hendrick is undoubtedly hoping to be the next such player. The 12th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, Hendrick has yet to officially receive a non-roster invite to big-league camp, but it could be on its way. While it's sure to be an uphill climb for the 24-year-old, the 2026 season represents his best chance to finally make his Major League debut.

Former Reds first-round pick Austin Hendrick might finally have a chance to make his MLB debut

Hendrick's struggles have been well documented. While there's unlimited power in his bat, an elongated swing and far too many strikeouts during his Minor League career have kept Hendrick from reaching his full potential. He's appeared in over 500 Minor League games to this point, and has a strikeout rate just under 36%.

But last season, during a full year at Double-A Chattanooga, Hendrick finally made some marked strides. He cut his strikeout rate from 36.5% in 2024 to 32.5% in 2025. Moreover, his on-base percentage rose from .243 to .322 and he more than doubled his wRC+ from 51 in 2024 to 113 in 2025.

Hendrick possesses something that can't be taught, and something the Reds have been chasing all offseason, but have yet to find — power. At the moment, it appears the Reds are banking on a bounce-back performance from recently signed free agent Michael Toglia. The former Colorado Rockies slugger hit just .190 with a 54 wRC+ and -2.2 fWAR last season despite playing half his games inside the hitter friendly confines of Coors Field.

The Reds have other such power-bats in the organization as well. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Rece Hinds, and Will Benson all have massive pop, but their lack of plate discipline and high strikeout rates makes them unplayable at times. It's questionable whether or not they'll all survive roster cuts later this spring.

So while it's a long shot that Hendrick will make an impression on the coaching staff when the players arrive in Goodyear next month, this could be the best chance he'll ever get. Breaking camp with the big league club is unlikely, but if he puts in the work at Triple-A this season, he could make his Major League dreams come true. Here's hoping he makes it happen.