Reds prospect with the highest ceiling also has the lowest floor heading into 2025

Rece Hinds is a name Cincinnati Reds fans haven't heard in awhile. After bursting onto the scene in mid-July of 2024, the outfielder has garnered little attention. Hinds' historic first week with the Reds didn't result in a long-term stint in the major leagues, but he definitely made his presence felt.

In Hinds' first 22 at-bats, he hit five home runs, three doubles, one triple and drove in 11 RBI. Hinds hit .500/.542/1.409 and became the first rookie ever to hit three home runs and drive in eight runs during his first five games. Unfortunately it went downhill quickly. After the All-Star break, Hinds went 1-for-12 with five strikeouts, before being sent back to Triple-A Louisville.

Rece Hinds has the highest ceiling (but also the lowest floor) among all Reds prospects

A former top-10 prospect, Hinds dropped out of the Reds' top-30 (according to MLB Pipeline) last season. Hinds' absurdly high strikeout rate has continually hindered him throughout his professional career. In 2022, Hinds struck out 38.8% of the time. Hinds lowered that number to 32.8% in 2023, but saw it skyrocket to an unbelievable 37.9% in 2024 while playing at Triple-A Louisville.

Despite the strikeouts, Hinds has massive power. In 2023 he led the Chattanooga Lookouts in home runs (23), doubles (29), and RBI (98). Hinds blasted 14 homers in 2024 with Triple-A Louisville. This power showcases Hinds' sky-high ceiling, but the massive number of strikeouts produce an extremely low floor.

The outfielder was recalled again in August, but mostly rode the pine in a reserve role. Hinds was 0-for-8 with three walks and three strikeouts over his final 11 plate appearances of the season.

Hinds needs to perform incredibly well (and get some breaks along the way) during spring training in order to make the Reds Opening Day roster. With offseason outfield additions of Austin Hays and Rule 5 draft pick Cooper Bowman, the competition in the outfield has increased this winter.

Hinds' massive power makes him a must-watch player during spring training, but if he can't lay off pitches outside the strike zone, it's going to be a long and trying season for the former second-round draft pick.

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