Top prospect could be the perfect replacement for Fernando Cruz in the Reds' bullpen

Although the Cincinnati Reds traded away one of their best bullpen arms in reliever Fernando Cruz, there isn't any need to fret. The Reds have some valid relief options for next season, whether they decide to push a career starter to the pen, or call up an MLB-ready prospect.

If the organization elects to go with the latter, then Cincinnati has their next big flamethrower just waiting to be promoted. Zach Maxwell, standing at an imposing 6-foot-6, 275-pounds, might be the Reds' next great reliever if handled correctly.

The 23-year-old Maxwell throws gas, and his fellow minor leaguers struggled mightily against the right-hander. In 54 innings with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, Maxwell twirled 85 strikeouts this past season.

Reds top prospect Zach Maxwell could be the perfect replacement for Fernando Cruz

In an appearance that lasted one inning, he recorded three strikeouts eight separate times in 2024, and opponents batted just .209 against him. Maxwell's dominance was undeniable, as was his reliability to get outs, recording five saves and five holds.

Much like Cruz, though, Maxwell tends to walk too batters. He handed out 38 walks in 2024, which generated a 1.46 WHIP. This is not an incredibly alarming number, but similar to most hard-throwing hurlers, the Reds should proceed with caution when attempting to put him into the game.

Is Maxwell the next closer for the Reds? Probably not, and that's fine. Though he operated at the backend of the Louisville Bats' bullpen last season, Maxwell may not have the poise to lock down the ninth inning at this stage of the game. However, he could be a tremendous fit as a middle reliever.

To ease the nerves of fans who worry about Maxwell's control problems, his command issues were more present earlier in the season. Maxwell walked 11 batters in May across 9 2/3 frames (29% of his walks came in about 17% of his innings). Maxwell shook off the rust and induced just nine base on balls in the last two months of the season, spanning 19 frames. He also ended the 2024 campaign on a great note, surrendering just one run in his final eight appearances.

After posting the 10th worst bullpen ERA (4.09) in 2024, Cincinnati definitely needs some help in the next season. Maxwell could be one of the answers to the club's relief issues, and if Reds Pitching Coach Derek Johnson can help minimize the prospect's walk rate, then this organization will be excited to welcome their next flamethrower.

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