These Reds prospects are too good to stay buried in the minors much longer

The Cincinnati Reds have more shortstops than they know what to do with. The Reds' big leagues roster has at least three players — Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte — who were once shortstops, and the team's farm system is filled with young middle infielders. Two such prospects, Leo Balcazar and Edwin Arroyo have earned promotions to the next level.

For those unaware, Balcazar has an intriguing story. An international free agent signing in 2021, Balcazar hit the radar after his debut in the Arizona Complex League in 2022. In 18 games, Balcazar posted a .322/.411/.476 slash line with a 139 wRC+. It looked as if Cincinnati had struck gold once again with another top-tier shortstop prospect.

Leo Balcazar could be the next great Reds shortstop prospect

Unfortunately for Balcazar, he suffered a crippling injury just weeks into his 2023 campaign. Balcazar was only on the field for 18 games that season, but there was a lot to like. He posted a tantalizing .897 OPS and impressive 147 wRC+ through the first few weeks of the season at Low-A Daytona, but then suffered a season-ending knee injury. Balcazar got back on the field last season, but it's taken almost a full year to get back to where he was prior to his injury.

Balcazar suffered through a trying year at High-A Dayton in 2024. He made it onto the field in time for the Dayton Dragons' opener in early-April, but through June 30, was only hitting .233/268/.269. But once the calendar flipped to July, Balcazar began to hit his stride. After July 1, Balcazar hit .294/.322/.437 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and a 115 wRC+.

The Reds deployed Balcazar back at High-A to begin the season, and in 42 games, he's hitting .265/.361/.392 with a 111 wRC+. In total, Balcazar has now logged more than 600 plate appearances at High-A, and it's time for the next step.

The Reds could promote Edwin Arroyo to open up playing time for Leo Balcazar

The problem, of course, is the presence of Arroyo at Double-A Chattanooga. While his bat hasn't taken off in 2025, Arroyo's .283/.364/.339 slash line is good enough to warrant a jump to Triple-A Louisville. Bumping Arroyo up a level would help make room for Balcazar on the Chattanooga Lookouts roster.

The Reds will need to make decisions regarding Arroyo and Balcazar this offseason. If both shortstops are deemed crucial to the future success of the franchise, Cincinnati will need to add them to the 40-man roster or risk losing them in the Rule 5 Draft. It's time to give both Arroyo and Balcazar a new challenge and promote the pair to the next level.

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