Undervalued prospect's impressive start to 2025 has Reds fans wondering what's next

Just when you think the Cincinnati Reds couldn’t be any richer with pitching prospects, another arm down on the farm steps to the fore. In 2024, it was right-handers Chase Petty and Luis Mey. In 2025, José Acuña seems to be the likeliest pitcher to break through thanks to a hot start with Double-A Chattanooga.

Admittedly, Acuña’s success shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to the Cincinnati fanbase. Since he joined the Reds’ system in 2022, he has been a solid, if not stand-out, performer.

During his first stint at Double- A in 2024, the right-hander posted an 0.81 ERA, enough to earn a few starts at Triple-A, but he was hampered by a flexor strain throughout the season. Now fully healthy, Acuña is making a name for himself (again).

José Acuña just might be the next Reds pitching prospect to break out

Just like Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Acuña picked up work in the Arizona Fall League to supplement his limited innings. His time in the desert proved especially fruitful. Acuña began his time with seven straight scoreless innings across two outings, and he finished with 11.1 K/9 and a nomination to the league’s All-Star Game.

That performance has propelled Acuña into the 2025 season. He dodged being picked up in the Rule 5 Draft, despite the Reds (surprisingly) leaving him unprotected, and instead earned a ticket to big-league camp during spring training. In his second go-round at Double-A, Acuña has 24 strikeouts in 19 innings and has allowed just 10 hits.

However, as much as Acuña has increased his ability to dominate hitters, his control has regressed. In previous seasons, he kept his walks per nine under 4.0, but in the AFL and this season, his walk rate has ballooned. Over his first three outings of 2025, he has walked 10 batters.

Considering Acuña is repeating this level, the lack of control is particularly concerning, especially for a starter. Luckily, he does have experience in relief, a role that might suit his abilities better and prove a clearer path to the big leagues. Regardless of how Cincinnati chooses to handle him, Acuña will be a Reds prospect to watch in 2025.

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