Regrettable reality keeping top Reds prospect from warranted Rookie of the Year hype

Last season, Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder had a brief, but impressive MLB debut. Lowder was a late-season call up, but he made some noise in six starts. The right-hander fired off a 1.17 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 30 ⅔ innings, and although fans were excited to see his expedited rise to the bigs, Lowder is still not getting the attention he probably deserves.

It's not the first time Lowder has been disrespected, but just can't seem to get out in front of the competition when it comes to being a favorite, or even in the conversation, for NL Rookie of the Year. The Athletics' list of candidates for the award (subscription required) doesn't forecast Lowder anywhere near the top.

Reds prospect Rhett Lowder deserves more Rookie of the Year hype

If every Reds perceived starter stays healthy this season, then Lowder will not have a consistent spot in the starting rotation. Sstill only 22 years old, Lowder will be behind the likes of Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, and Brady Singer. And don't forget about Chase Burns, who also has a chance of being called up this year.

This is a crowded room, however, there's still a chance for Lowder to inch his way into the rotation. Ashcraft could be moved to the bullpen, and so could Martinez — though the Reds are paying him $21 million.

Other National League names listed ahead of Lowder include Dylan Crews and Roki Sasaki. Both players are mega-prospects who should be part of the Rookie of the Year conversation all season long. But Lowder proved himself on the big stage last season, so it's odd to see Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher Bubba Chandler ahead of him on the list.

Lowder deserves more recognition than what he is being given this offseason, but he'll need to battle it out for a spot in the starting rotation with the Reds. If Lowder breaks camp with Cincinnati, he could vault up this list quickly.

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