This Reds’ breakout nobody saw coming is turning heads fast

The bullpen of the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate in Chattanooga is full of unlikely players. Lefty Joel Valdez was a Triple-A Rule 5 Draft selection this past winter after stalling in the New York Yankees’ system. Arij Fransen was an international signee not from Latin America, like many of his teammates, but from the Netherlands. But the most unpredictable journey may go to closer Trevor Kuncl, who had never thrown a pitch in affiliated ball until his Double-A debut this April.

Kuncl, who went to St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, made his way to George Washington University as a fairly light-hitting infielder. Thanks to a fateful relief appearance in summer ball, the right-hander began his two-way career as a sophomore.

Despite dominating hitters to the tune of 117 strikeouts in 122 innings, Kuncl received little notice and went undrafted, but he kept pushing for a career in pro baseball.

Reds prospect Trevor Kuncl may jump from undrafted underdog to bullpen standout in just one year

Kuncl kept sharp with the Lake Erie Crushers in the independent Frontier League and began to work with Driveline in hopes of catching the eye of big-league scouts. He made the 2024 Frontier League All-Star team and hit 103 mph in his All-Star appearance. He briefly signed with the Texas Rangers but didn’t make the cut out of spring training. Enter the Reds. With little fanfare, Cincinnati signed Kuncl in March to a minor league contract. Kuncl is making the most of the opportunity.

With an electric fastball, Kuncl overpowered opposing batters and 10 ⅔ scoreless innings to open the season. He has been particularly effective against righties, who have a .433 OPS against him. As of August 5, Kuncl has a 1.54 ERA with 14 saves. Unlike some relief prospects like Zach Maxwell who struggle with command, Kuncl walks 3.3 hitters per nine innings and has a 2.62 K:BB ratio.

With one more level of the minors ahead of him, Kuncl has some room for growth. He has thrown just 35 innings this season. Big-league pitchers are in the mid-50s in innings pitched at this point in the season. Kuncl is also blocked by fellow flamethrowers Luis Mey and Maxwell as well as potential closer Tony Santillan. However, if Kuncl’s success continues, he could be the feel-good story of the season for the Reds.

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