Reds Rumors: Possible top prospect promotion creates September roster questions

According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, the Cincinnati Reds are planning to call up top outfield prospect Carlos Jorge. While some of Rodriguez's reporting has been met with skepticism over the years, there's little reason to doubt these latest Reds rumors.

Jorge began the season at Double-A with the Chattanooga Lookouts, but after hitting .330/.402/.452 with six home runs, 32 RBI, and 23 stolen bases, the Reds decided to advance the 22-year-old to Triple-A. He's appeared in just 29 games with the Louisville Bats this season, but has a formidable .263/.323/.377 slash line to go along with eight extra-base hits, 11 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Jorge will need to be added to the Reds' 40-man roster, but Cincinnati shouldn't have any problem making space. Both Michael Toglia and Spencer Steer are unlikely to return this season, and either player could be moved from the 10-day to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot.

Reds Rumors: Carlos Jorge's potential promotion creates September roster questions

As for Jorge's placement on the active roster, that could be a bit more contentious. There's always the possibility that an undisclosed injury has yet to be announced, or the Reds could simply option little-used utility infielder Ivan Johnson back to Triple-A Louisville.

Héctor Rodríguez and Edwin Arroyo — both of whom played alongside Jorge in the minor leagues — have received an extended look already this month. Rodríguez got the call shortly after the August 3 trade deadline, and Arroyo rejoined the club after Ke'Bryan Hayes landed on the IL. Jorge could soon join that group and receive a 22-game audition to end the 2026 season.

Jorge is a converted second baseman who's found a home in the outfield. This season, he's spent most of his time in center field, though he also has experience in both corner outfield spots. He's a plus-runner who can cover a lot of ground, and his left-handed swing could be a compliment to the right-handed hitting Dane Myers.

That would also seem to indicate what Reds fans already know — TJ Friedl's time is quickly coming to an end. The Reds former leadoff hitter has struggled mightily this season, and has been used as little more than a defensive replacement since returning from his trip to the minors earlier this year. After being placed on waivers last month, Friedl is likely to be non-tendered in November.

But this is a joyous moment for Jorge. Depending on how the front office plans to fill out next year's roster, he could be a player the Reds are forced to count on in 2027. They might as well find out now if he's up to the task.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow