Reds need answers on Edwin Arroyo before the season comes to an end

Over the past few seasons, Edwin Arroyo has been the prospect to watch in the Cincinnati Reds’ system. A smooth defender with good speed, he is the quintessential shortstop.

Between injuries and substantial middle-infield depth in Cincinnati, Arroyo hasn’t had a chance to break though until now. Unfortunately, Arroyo hasn’t made the most of his time in the majors in 2026, and the final month of the season could be crucial for the Reds youngster.

This season has been a fallow period for the Reds’ infielders. Matt McLain and Ke’Bryan Hayes are among the worst regulars in baseball, allowing Arroyo reps at both second and third base.

In 49 games, Arroyo has just 33 hits and a .232/.276/.275 line. If the switch-hitting infielder can’t figure things out as the season winds down, the Reds could look elsewhere for depth.

Edwin Arroyo was once a highly touted Reds prospect, but his 2026 campaign has left much to be desired

It’s possible that Arroyo just needs time to adjust to the higher level. At Triple-A Louisville, he hit .309/.377/.547, and coming off an injury in 2024, he hit .253/.309/.333 in the Arizona Fall League. Arroyo is never going to be a slugger, but if he can get on base, his speed and aggression on the basepaths can change the game.

At his best, Arroyo gives the Reds a new dimension at the plate. He has tremendous bat-to-ball skills (43.5% launch angle-sweet spot rate). He could be a strong table setter for Elly De La Cruz and other Reds sluggers. Unlike his hitting, his defense has never wavered. That may be enough to prompt De La Cruz to consider a move to a different position.

Arroyo is miles away from legitimately competing for significant playing time. The Reds have already signalled a willingness to bring in outside help to shore up the infield. On September 1, Cincinnati signed veteran Orlando Arcia to a minor-league deal. If he makes it to the big-league club, he will fill much the same role as Arroyo.

At the end of the day, Arroyo just turned 23 a few days ago. All he needs to show is a sliver of his development for the Reds to take him more seriously coming into 2027.

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