Top scout praises Cam Collier for surprising reason that will have Reds fans buzzing

Cam Collier suffered a wrist injury at the outset of the 2025 season, and was only able to suit up for 95 games this past season. In an effort to give him some more reps before entering the offseason, the Cincinnati Reds sent Collier to the Arizona Fall League this year.

Collier has gotten off to an electric start out in the desert, and heading into the weekend, was hitting .303/.489/.485 with four extra base hits. He had 11 strikeouts through his first 10 games, but balanced that out nicely with 10 walks.

Moreover, top prospect evaluator Keith Law of The Athletic (subscription required) offered a glowing review of Collier's conditioning — something the longtime scouts was critical of earlier this year. Law mentioned that Collier had slimmed down, and played by far the best third base he'd seen from him since being drafted back in 2022.

Does Reds prospect Cam Collier have a future at third base?

When the Reds selected Collier with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, his primary position was third base. The presence of Sal Stewart, however, and a lack of fitness put Collier's future at the hot corner in doubt. The 20-year-old shifted between both first and third base this past season, and many were assuming that Collier would likely end up as a first base/ DH-type of player.

This latest revelation from Law, however, may have shifted the conversation once again. If Collier can stay in shape, something he certainly focused on after his injury, this could change the narrative moving forward.

Stewart made his big league debut back in September, and though he's played several different positions, it seems quite likely that he'll share first base duties with Spencer Steer next season. While Stewart could supplant Ke'Bryan Hayes at third base on occasion, the rookie doesn't provide near the defensive upside of the Gold Glove Award winner.

Having Collier waiting in the wings, however, could be quite advantageous. Collier's bat has long been his calling card, but if can manage third base at even an average to slightly above-average level, his ascension to the majors could come quicker than most expect.

Look for Collier to begin the 2026 season at Double-A. But much like Stewart did last season, no one will be shocked to see Collier climb all the way up to Triple-A, and even the big leagues next year. Collier is putting in the work, and it could pay off in droves if he's able to show marked improvement at third base next season.