Reds spring training invite quietly sets up a breakout prospect to watch

A half dozen prospects will be joining the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training camp when players report in a few weeks. Among the group is prized infielder Cam Collier, who will aim to impress but is unlikely to break camp with the big league club. Still, if Collier keeps pace with Sal Stewart and Ke’Bryan Hayes, the 21-year-old could fast-track his path to the majors in 2026.

Collier, who has focused on conditioning, played just 95 games last season and has yet to rise above Double-A. After undergoing thumb surgery and missing the beginning of the 2025 season, Collier struggled to find the power that made him a Top 100 prospect in previous seasons. He posted an underwhelming .693 OPS during his tenure in the Arizona Fall League. This spring will provide Collier an opportunity to rewrite that narrative.

Cam Collier will aim to make a splash as a non-roster invitee to the Reds’ spring training

Stewart’s breakout at the end of the 2025 season and the Hayes' trade at the deadline have allowed Collier more time to develop in the minors. He doesn’t have much competition on the depth chart outside of the big leaguers, though. Christian Encarnacion-Strand has been inconsistent, as have non-roster invitee signings Michael Toglia and P.J. Higgins. Collier could easily jump into contention with that trio at Triple-A.

Collier’s performance in spring training could also draw the attention of rival GMs. Stewart’s meteoric rise suggests that Collier could be a trade chip, and a solid spring would assuage concerns about Collier’s streaky hitting and recovery from injury.

A handful of compelling middle infielders, such as Jazz Chisholm and Nico Hoerner, could be available on the trade block, and if Matt McLain fails to bounce back from last year’s difficult season, a player like Collier could be a central piece of a trade.

Collier has some of the best raw tools in the system, and he has invested heavily in his development. Regardless of where he winds up—on the Reds, in the minors, or with another team entirely—he’ll be one of the most interesting young players to watch in Goodyear this spring.