Under-appreciated Reds prospect all but locks up roster spot with AFL performance

Since being selected in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Tyler Callihan has seen it all. He’s made a stop at every level of the minors, climbed to a top-10 prospect ranking in the Cincinnati Reds’ farm system, undergone Tommy John surgery, and earned an invite to spring training. His latest act, though, could — and arguably should — be enough to earn him a spot on the 40-man roster.

This fall, Callihan and a handful of others are representing the Reds organization with the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League. Most of the hype prior to the fall season surrounded prospect Edwin Arroyo and injured big leaguers Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Callihan, though, may emerge as the shining star when all is said and done.

Once promising Reds prospect Tyler Callihan may get his due after his Arizona Fall League stint

For one thing, Callihan has been making the most of his time in Arizona. He has appeared in 10 of the team’s 17 games as of October 27. In a league in which 18 position players fight for playing time, this consistency is promising and beneficial for a player who has played more than 90 games in a season just once since turning pro.

During that time, Callihan has turned in encouraging results at the plate. His .359 batting average ranks 10th in the AFL among qualified players. He also ranks in the top 10 in runs, stolen bases, and on-base percentage.

These stats point to the skills that encouraged the Reds to draft him and sign him to a massive over-slot deal five years ago. Callihan is an old school type of player. He gets on base, he gets over, and he gets in. His problem in the past has simply been getting on the field in the first place.

Callihan’s output with Glendale continues a string of success that should be encouraging for Reds fans. He got a taste of Triple-A at the end of 2024 and didn’t miss a beat. In four games, he collected five hits — three for extra bases — and scored five runs. Even more encouraging, he walked six times against just four strikeouts.

Reds prospect Tyler Callihan has played more than just the infield in the Arizona Fall League

Callihan’s time in Arizona has also permitted him to diversify his skills in the field. In the minors, he has primarily played second and third with some trials at first base. With Glendale, Callihan has manned left field, which could help him avoid a logjam behind McLain, Jonathan India, and others as Callihan nears the majors.

One of the last hurdles for Callihan looms in the coming weeks. As of now, he is not on the 40-man roster, which means he would be available in this winter’s Rule 5 Draft. Last year, he faced the same situation and remained with the Reds, but his fall turnaround could tempt teams to gamble on him if Cincinnati leaves the 24-year-old unprotected. Don’t be surprised if Callihan takes one more prominent step and lands on the 40-man before December.

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