Reds are sending big names to the Arizona Fall League but one surprise could shine

The Cincinnati Reds 2025 season is winding down, and Arizona Fall League rosters have been announced. This year, the Reds are sending big-name prospects top prospects like Alfredo Duno and Cam Collier to the desert, along with Leo Balcazar, Luke Hayden, Johnathan Harmon, and Trevor Kuncl.

Duno dominated the Florida State League this season and took home MVP honors just this week. Nevertheless, the Reds' coveted catching prospect needs extended work behind the dish and he'll get that in Arizona. Collier injured his thumb in spring training, wiping out the first six weeks of his season. Getting some extra reps in the AFL should help propel Collier into 2026.

While Duno and Collier are highly-touted prospects, Balcazar is a bit of an enigma. He was a part of the Reds' 2021 international signing class, and this season, the young middle infielder has hit .263 with 12 homers and 57 RBI between High-A and Double-A. His strikeout rate dropped to 13.4%, and he's shown more power than in previous seasons.

Reds are sending big names to the Arizona Fall League but Leo Balcazar could shine

The Reds front office has targeted shortstops in the last few drafts, and it's now a loaded position for Cincinnati. Balcazar joins prospects like Steele Hall, Ricky Cabrera, and Tyson Lewis in the Reds farm system, while Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain occupy the middle of the field in the big leagues.

After a solid season in the minors, Balcazar will now get the chance to greatly improve his standing in the organization while playing for the Peoria Javelinas. He possesses a strong arm with good range, but committed 20 errors over 126 games this season.

But Balcazar's plate discipline and improved power are exciting tools. The AFL has hosted many future All-Stars over the years, and the added reps and coaching could give Balcazar a chance to shine heading into next season.

Balcazar is an exciting young player who needs to stand out during the fall league in order to make an impact on the minds of the Reds front office and coaching staff . He's not the biggest name joining the Javelinas this fall, but he has the opportunity to make a name for himself with a stellar campaign.

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