Written By: Drake Mann
Follow him on Twitter: @DrakeMann4
Follow Prospects Worldwide on Twitter: @ProspectsWorldW
**Right below is the Reds Top 20 list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Present/Future Grades, FV, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked in the system! Tons of Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
| Rank | Name | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | Nick Lodolo | LHP | 1st Round : 7th Overall – 2019 Draft |
| 2 | Tyler Stephenson | C | 1st Round : 11th Overall – 2015 Draft |
| 3 | Hunter Greene | RHP | 1st Round : 2nd Overall – 2017 Draft |
| 4 | Austin Hendrick | OF | 1st Round : 12th Overall – 2020 Draft |
| 5 | Jonathan India | 3B | 1st Round : 5th Overall – 2018 Draft |
| 6 | Jose Garcia | SS | International FA Signing 2017 |
| 7 | Tyler Callihan | 2B/3B | 3rd Round – 2019 Draft |
| 8 | Christian Roa | RHP | 2nd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 9 | Michael Siani | OF | 4th Round – 2018 Draft |
| 10 | Rece Hinds | 3B | 2nd Round – 2019 Draft |
| 11 | Tony Santillan | RHP | 2nd Round – 2015 Draft |
| 12 | Lyon Richardson | RHP | 2nd Round – 2018 Draft |
| 13 | Case Williams | RHP | Trade with Rockies |
| 14 | Ivan Johnson | SS/2B | 4th Round – 2019 Draft |
| 15 | Allan Cerda | OF | International FA Signing 2017 |
| 16 | Michel Triana | INF | International FA Signing 2019 |
| 17 | Jacob Heatherly | LHP | 3rd Round – 2017 Draft |
| 18 | Jackson Miller | C | 2nd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 19 | Bryce Bonnin | RHP | 3rd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 20 | Mackenzie Wainwright | OF | 4th Round – 2020 Draft |
1. Nick Lodolo – LHP – Dayton Dragons (A)
22 Years Old – Bat: L – Throw: L – 6’5 – 205 lbs – ETA: 2021
| FB | SL | CH | Command | FV |
| 50/55 | 55/60 | 50/55 | 45/55 | 55 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 18.1 | 8 | 8 | 2.45 | 0.98 | 40.5% | 0.0% | 0.49 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 18.0% | 1.57 | 40.5% | 31.0% | 28.6% | 39.5% | 30.2% | 30.2% |
Lodolo was drafted 7th overall in 2019, he’s one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball and has the potential to be the Reds ace of the future. In a rather small sample size, Lodolo showed what he’s capable of pitching to a 2.45 ERA and a 40.5 K% in 18.1 innings pitched.
Continuing on, Lodolo uses all of his 6’5″ frame to have good extension on his pitches, he has clean mechanics that includes a solid lower half and a three-quarter arm slot, while hiding the ball extremely well. He has three above-average pitches that have the potential to be plus offerings. In addition, His fastball sits in the lower 90’s but has touched 96 MPH. Lodolo also displays a slider that’s hard to square up due to its late bite and command. His third pitch is a changeup that plays off his fastball well and has good sinking action to it. In the end, Lodolo still has some improvements to make in the minors but overall his stuff and advanced command of the strike zone will propel him through the minors rather quickly. While he might not have the high velocity potential of Hunter Greene, Lodolo’s craftiness and pitchability make him the Reds top pitching prospect and overall the best prospect in the system.
2. Tyler Stephenson – C – Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
24 years old – Bat : R – Throw : R – 6’4 – 225 lbs – ETA : 2020
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 40/50 | 60/60 | 40/45 | 40/40 | 70/70 | 60/60 | 50+ |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .285 | .372 | .410 | .782 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.5% | 10.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .125 | 130 | 8.2% | 35.9% | 22.7% | 41.4% | 42.0% | 24.9% | 33.1% |
Stephenson was taken 11th overall in the 2015 draft and can be classified as a late bloomer of sorts. He’s struggled with injuries in his career, so you might be asking why he is so high on this list? Well his 2019 showed a slashline of .285/.372/.410 with six home runs and a 10.2 BB% in 363 plate appearances. Stephesnon made his debut in 2020 for the Reds and homered his first at-bat in the majors.
Stephenson is more well known for his defense with his plus-plus arm strength and ability to frame. However, his bat could come around nicely for the Reds, he has his hands lower in his stance and a double-toe tap for a load, very reminiscent to Brian Dozier and while he has 8-10 home run power, his contact tool and ability to get on-base is what makes him such an attractive prospect. He has below-average speed to round out his tools. Especially, when we aren’t seeing many impact catchers in baseball, Stephenson is an intriguing name to watch develop for the Reds and he’s going to be the Reds starter at some point, where he can be a middle of the lineup bat and control his pitching staff extremely well. Reds fans take note on this 24-year-old catcher, he’s going to be a solid piece for the Reds in the end.
3. Hunter Greene – RHP – Daytona Tortugas (A Adv)
21 years old – Bat : R – Throw : R – 6’4 – 215 lbs – ETA : 2022
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | FV |
| 70/80 | 40/45 | 50/55 | 40/50 | 40/55 | 50+ |
Fewer players have had more hype around draft night than Hunter Greene in 2017. All people needed to know was that Greene had a blazing fastball that was clocked at 100+ mph. That was enough for the Reds to take him 2nd overall in the 2017 draft. It’s been a struggle for Greene to gain his footing as he’s pitched to a career 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP in 72.2 innings pitched. However, he’s had a career 30.2 K% in those innings. Greene did have Tommy John surgery in 2019, so it’ll be intriguing to see how this will effect his velocity in 2021. When right, Greene has an elite fastball that is 98-101 MPH and touches 103 MPH. His secondary’s include a slider that flashes plus potential thanks to its tight spin and command, his changeup is another decent offering with potential as he disguises it well with his arm speed.
He has a repeatable delivery with a loose arm action that makes it look effortless to throw 100 mph. He’s athletic and has a nice downhill plane that allows him to spot the ball down in the zone. All in all, Greene has the potential to be a solid #2 in the Reds rotation, it all depends if he can stay healthy for the Reds. With the combination of Greene’s fastball and Lodolo’s craftiness, the Reds will have a nice 1-2 punch in their rotation for years to come.
4. Austin Hendrick – OF – AZL Reds (ROA)
19 years old – Bat : L – Throw : L – 6’0 – 195 lbs – ETA : 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | Arm | FLD | FV |
| 20/45 | 60/70 | 30/60 | 45/50 | 55/60 | 50 | 50 |
No Professional Stats
Hendrick had arguably the most pure power among the prep-bats in the 2020 draft, the Reds ended up nabbing Hendrick 12th overall. As mentioned prior, Hendrick’s power is his best tool and he taps into it fairly easy with a small leg kick that also allows him to keep his timing in the box. He has a nice left-handed stroke that results in consistent flyball contact. His main area of weakness, is his discipline and ability to recognizes off-speed. I do fear his contact tool never develops just because of his plate discipline. However, Hendrick’s bat speed and constant barrels should help with that.
Defensively, he’s delegated to right-field with his plus arm strength, but his speed could make him a centerfielder. It’ll be interested to see how the Reds want to develop Hendrick in the field for 2021 and beyond. The offensive potential of Hendrick is what propelled him up draft boards and now the Reds might have quite the run producer waiting in the wings.
5. Jonathan India – 3B – Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)
23 years old – Bat : R – Throw : R – 6’0 – 200 lbs – ETA : 2021
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 50/55 | 55/55 | 40/45+ | 50/50 | 55/55 | 50/55 | 50 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .259 | .365 | .402 | .767 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 21.5% | 11.5% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .143 | 129 | 11.1% | 36.5% | 20.8% | 42.8% | 48.2% | 26.7% | 25.2% |
India was the Reds top pick in the 2018 draft, going 5th overall to Cincinnati. He has struggled with consistency so far in his career, but he still has plenty of offensive upside especially with his on-base skills. India hit a combined .254/.369/.410 with 17 home runs in 696 plate appearances.
This Reds prospect does have mass amounts of power potential but has had some wrist issues so far. He is balanced in the box and has a leg kick for a load, his bat path generates a fair amount of fly balls which will help his power stroke in the future. Continuing on, he does have subpar plate discipline and pitch recognition. However, it has gotten better as of late. We’re just waiting for the breakout year out of India for people to start noticing just how talented he is. The combination of bat speed and hard contact rates are things that stick out about India the most. He could stick at third base with his plus arm speed, and instincts. He’s an average runner to end off his tools. The Reds prized infield prospect still needs some time in the minors but India has all the makings of being the Reds starting third baseman of the future and could be a perennial all-star at some point. Health remains his biggest barrier.
6. Jose Garcia – SS – Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
22 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’2″ – 175 lbs – ETA: 2021
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 30/45 | 55/60 | 30/55 | 60/60 | 70/70 | 55/55 | 45 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .280 | .343 | .436 | .779 | 8 | 15 | 2 | 18.4% | 5.5% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .156 | 131 | 11.9% | 43.9% | 37.9% | 18.8% | 49.2% | 22.3% | 28.4% |
Garcia was a Reds top international signee during the 2016-17 J2 signing period. Garcia signed for $5 million and he’s shown that this was a rather smart investment by the Reds. He’s an athletic shortstop prospect that has enough arm strength and range to stick at shortstop.
Offensively, Garcia has a slightly open stance and a double toe-tap for a load. His nice bat speed and bat path will translate into some power going forward for Garcia. While his numbers aren’t spectacular in the minors his breakout 2019 proved to be a sense of what Garcia is capable of when fully developed. He hit, .280/.343/.436 with eight home runs in 452 plate appearances. One area of weakness is the swing-and-miss parts of his game, he had an 18.4 K% in 2019 and 21.7 K% in 2018. However, his mix of a good contact tool and raw power make him a good candidate to be the Reds starting shortstop when fully developed. Especially at 22-years-old there’s plenty of time for Garcia to hit his ceiling of a power/speed player for the Reds.
7. Tyler Callihan – 2B – Billings Mustangs (ROA)
20 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: R – 6’1″ – 205 lbs – ETA: 2023
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 30/55 | 55/60 | 35/50 | 40/40 | 50/50 | 45/50 | 45 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .263 | .298 | .442 | .740 | 6 | 11 | 3 | 21.0% | 4.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .179 | 99 | 13.8% | 46.3% | 18.9% | 34.9% | 46.6% | 23.9% | 29.5% |
Callihan was the Reds third round pick in 2019 and the Reds might’ve found a hidden gem in Callihan. The Reds over slotted Callihan signing him for $1.5 million. Callihan has thump in his bat and a good feel for the barrel and makes consistent hard contact. He reminds me a lot of Reds current infielder Mike Moustakas with the bat. He has a similar load, longer bat path and should hit for some power when fully developed. His first year resulted in a .263/.298/.442 slash line and six home runs.
With many of these young hitters, Callihan’s main weakness is him being over aggressive in the box, once he starts controlling the zone better his hit tool and power tool will get better. Defensively, Callihan should stick at second base with his average arm strength and below-average speed. Reiterating, he has quick enough hands to stick at the position long term as well. It does depend how physically Callihan matures if he has a future elsewhere on the field. The Reds should be ecstatic to have Callihan in their system, he’s already showing flashes of a plus hit tool and will be another run producer in the Reds future lineup.
8. Christian Roa – RHP – Arizona League Reds (ROK)
21 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’4″ – 220 lbs – ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | CH | SL | COMMAND | FV |
| 50/55 | 45/55 | 50/55 | 40/45 | 55/60 | 40+ |
No Professional Stats
Roa was the Reds second round pick in the 2020 draft and he’s an interesting pitcher. He really didn’t blossom until the shortened 2020 season, while his overall numbers aren’t that pretty but his stuff took a significant step forward. He pitched to a 5.85 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and an impressive 39.3 K% in 20 innings pitched. Mechanicallly, he has a consistent overhand arm slot and creates deception using his combination of a good downhill plane and arm angle making it hard to barrel his pitches consistently.
When right Roa operates 92-93 and touches 96, while his fastball is mostly straight but pairs well with his two above-average secondaries a curveball that has late bit and a fading changeup. His slider needs to be more consistent in order to become a quality offering. While the Reds are taking a small risk here with Roa, he has all the makings of being a solid pitching prospect and a #3 or #4 in the Reds rotation, that is unless health turns into a concern for Roa.
9. Michael Siani – OF – Dayton Dragons (A)
21 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: L – 6’1″ – 188 lbs – ETA: 2022
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 40/50 | 40/40 | 30/35 | 70/70 | 60/60 | 60/60 | 40+ |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .253 | .333 | .339 | .672 | 6 | 45 | 15 | 20.5% | 8.7% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .086 | 100 | 8.7% | 51.3% | 13.4% | 35.3%% | 41.5% | 25.7% | 32.8% |
Siani was a fourth round pick for the Reds in 2018, and he’s gotten raves for his defense out in the outfield and his freaky good athletism. However, his bat is something that might surpass his defense in the future. He’s quiet in the box, with his hands low in his stance, and has a load similar to Ketel Marte with the high leg kick and hand raise in his stance. His contact tool surpasses his power but he does have surprising power that he’ll sometimes tap into when he’s fully matured. He does strikeout at a rather high rate hovering around 20% of the time. On the other side, He does walk at a high rate as well hovering around 8% of the time, so that’s a positive sign that Siani will have a nice combination of contact, on-base, and speed to man the top of the Reds lineup.
We already have somewhat talked about his defense but continuing on his plus arm strength and good first step are some of the better parts of his defense value. The Reds over-slotted Siani paying him $2 million and at this rate Siani will be a starter for the Reds at some point.
10. Rece Hinds – 3B – Greenville Reds (ROA)
20 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’4″ – 215 lbs – ETA: 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 20/45 | 60/70 | 30/60 | 40/40 | 60/60 | 40/45 | 40+ |
Not enough stats from the 2019 season to post
Hinds was the Reds second round draft choice in 2019 and let’s just say Hinds has immense amounts of power potential. Hinds had an injury shortened start to his career missing time with a quadriceps injury. He’s has a bulky build and still has a projectable frame which is expected from a power hitting 20-year-old prospect.
He has his hands held low in his stance and is slightly open in his stance, mixing that with his small leg kick for power purposes. Hinds does an excellent job of keeping his hands inside the ball and has an insanely quick bat. Going forward, Hinds will need to learn to spray the ball a bit more as he relies heavily on pulling the ball. His pitch recognition and plate discipline remain major question marks, but the talent is there for Hinds. His bat clearly outweighs his defense as he might have a future at third base just based on his quick hands and overall arm strength. However, his range and ability to stay at third long time, remains to be seen. Hinds will need a lot of seasoning in the minors but we could see game changing power for the Reds at some point in his career.
11. Tony Santillan – RHP – Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)
23 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’3″ – 240 lbs – ETA: 2021
| FB | SL | CH | COMMAND | FV |
| 50/55 | 55/55 | 40/45 | 40/45 | 40 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 102.1 | 21 | 21 | 4.84 | 1.60 | 19.8% | 11.6% | 0.70 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 11.3% | 4.56 | 34.7% | 20.1% | 45.2% | 39.2% | 31.2% | 29.6% |
Another second round pick but this time by the Reds in 2015, Santillan has struggled with control in his career but in 2017 and 2018 proved to be outliers as he was missing bats at a steady rate. He’s been a consistent pitcher hovering around an 11-12% SwStr% in his career and having a career K% of 22.7% in his career. He has a deceptive delivery that involves a three-quarter arm slot. His mechanics are reminiscent to Twins right-hander Jose Berrios.
Santillan has continued to show his power stuff until a bicep strain effected the 23-year-old in 2019. His fastball gets up to 96 MPH and his first secondary offering is a power slider with plus potential and plenty of vertical bite that works best in against lefties and away from righties. His changeup is an average offering to round out his repertoire. The Reds potentially could have another potential starting weapon in their system with Santillan if he stays healthy and his control gets better, as of right now that control could determine his role as a starter or a reliever.
12. Lyon Richardson – RHP – Dayton Dragons (A)
20 Years Old – Bats: S – Throws: R – 6’2″ – 192 lbs – ETA: 2022
| FB | CB | SL | CH | COMMAND | FV |
| 45/50 | 45/50 | 40/50 | 45/55 | 55/55 | 40 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 112.2 | 26 | 26 | 4.15 | 1.41 | 21.3% | 6.6% | 0.80 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 10.9% | 3.65 | 39.3% | 18.5% | 42.2% | 41.1% | 29.4% | 29.4% |
Richardson was the Reds second-round pick in the 2018 draft, he started his off his career with an injury plagued first season that saw him miss action due to a sore elbow. While his numbers aren’t eye popping Richardson still has plenty of potential to be a #3 in the Reds rotation. Those numbers? he has a career 4.76 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 20.4 K% in 37 starts (141.2 innings).
Richardson will need some refinement to his delivery as while he repeats his mechanics well he puts some pressure on his elbow, making it harder to last over longer outings. When healthy, Richardson has a four-pitch mix a fastball that touches 96 mph, a changeup that compliments it well with its late depth and a curveball in the high 70’s that he can consistently spot down in the zone. He also displays a slider that needs some work but overall is a decent offering. Richardson has above-average command of all his pitches and throws plenty of strikes. One of the biggest reasons to like Richardson is his bulldog mentality of not being afraid to throw any pitch in any count. As long as Richardson stays healthy he’s a perfect compliment to guys like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo in the future Reds rotation.
13. Case Williams – RHP – Billings Mustangs (ROA)
18 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’3″ – ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | CH | COMMAND | FV |
| 50/55 | 40/50 | 40/55 | 45/50 | 40 |
No Professional Stats
Williams was the Rockies fourth round pick in the 2020 draft. The Reds had previous interest in Williams around the draft. After trading Jameson Hannah and Robert Stephenson to the Rockies, the Reds picked up this young right-hander. Williams has a nice balance point and has good shoulder and hip separation in his mechanics.
In terms of stuff, Williams fastball operates 89-93 but has touched 95 MPH, he generates some swing-and-miss with its spin. His changeup works well off his fastball with its late vertical drop and slower velocity (75-78 MPH), and his curveball needs some work as he sometimes can’t find a consistent arm slot or break on his curveball. It’s still a projectable pitch and could even become a quality secondary pitch. The Reds have a fair share of promising pitching prospects, Williams is no short of a quality pitching prospect and has the potential to move quickly through the Reds system.
14. Ivan Johnson – INF – Greenville Reds (ROA)
22 Years Old – Bats: S – Throws: R – 6’0″ – 190 lbs – ETA: 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 30/50 | 40/50 | 30/45 | 60/60 | 45/45 | 50/50 | 40 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .255 | .327 | .415 | .742 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 21.9% | 8.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .160 | 104 | 11.3% | 43.3% | 21.3% | 35.5% | 44.8% | 19.6% | 35.7% |
The switch-hitting Johnson was the Reds fourth round pick in 2019, Johnson is a solid offensive first prospect. He started his pro career off on a decent note hitting .255/.327/.415 with six home runs in 210 plate appearances. He has nice bat control that shows some of his gap-to-gap power. He’s a patient hitter in the box, and will draw his walks at a good rate. His swing produces more power from the left-side and overall he shows more consistent contact from there as well. When fully developed he’ll hit for a high average and some power.
He could carve out a role as a utility infielder with his below average arm-strength and good range. The Reds have been stock pilling power bats so far on this list, but having a guy like Johnson man the middle of the lineup is nice to have in any system as he should set up these bats quite well to be major run producers.
15. Allan Cerda – OF – Greeneville Reds (ROA)
21 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’3″ – 170 lbs – 2023
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 30/45 | 50/60 | 30/55 | 50/50 | 55/55 | 40/40 | 40 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .220 | .360 | .470 | .829 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 33.9% | 12.1 |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .250 | 127 | 16.9% | 24.7% | 24.7% | 50.6% | 48.8% | 28.7% | 22.5% |
Cerda is a player that many overlook in this Reds system, as he was signed in 2017 for $300,000 out of the Dominican Republic. He burst onto the scene in his first season hitting .272/.402/.439 with six home runs and an .841 OPS. However, 2019 proved to be a different story as he missed a majority of the year due to being hit in the face with a fastball, resulting in a nasal fracture.
Cerda has some serious power potential mixing that with his projectable frame, he could be a middle of the lineup bat for the Reds. While he has a below-average hit tool, his bat path generates a lot of flyballs, due to its angle. In fact, he hit a flyball 50.6% of the time. While he had 33.9 K% he had an impressive 12.1 BB%, which if translates well would make Cerda a high power and high on-base bat for the Reds. On the other side, he is an average runner and has below average range in the outfield. Making him a right fielder long term with his plus arm strength. 2021 will be an interesting year of development for Cerda as we could see him pop up more on top prospect lists with a full season where he can display his raw power that he possesses.
16. Michel Triana – INF – DSL Reds
21 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: R – 6’3″ – 230 lbs – ETA: 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 20/50 | 50/60 | 30/55 | 30/30 | 40/40 | 40/45 | 40 |
No Professional Stats
The Reds signed Triana out of Cuba for $1.3 million in 2019. Here’s another prospect with impressive power potential. He’s a stockier build, his lofty-swing and use of his lower half are signs that the raw power will translate well as he ages. While his hit tool lags behind his power, it could still turn out to be solid long term.
Defensively, Triana is limited in where he can play due to his arm strength and range. However, first base profiles well with the potential Triana has with the bat. It remains to be seen, how aggressive the Reds will be with Triana through the minors, the Reds are quietly building something in their system and Triana could turn out to be an under-the-radar snag during the 2019 J2 signing period.
17. Jacob Heatherly – LHP – Dayton Dragons (A)
22 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: L – 6’1″ – 215 lbs – ETA: 2022
| FB | CB | CH | COMMAND | FV |
| 45/50 | 45/55 | 45/50 | 40/45 | 40 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 8.2 | 4 | 4 | 8.31 | 2.08 | 21.3% | 12.8% | 0.00 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 7.3% | 4.03 | 51.9% | 29.6% | 18.5% | 36.7% | 26.7% | 36.7% |
Reds took Heatherly in the 3rd round in 2017, he’s struggled so far in his career in the minors. Mainly with his control, in 2019 with the Reds low-A affiliate he had a 26.6 K% but ban 8.35 ERA (4.03 FIP) and a 12.8 BB% in 8.1 innings. He has had some shoulder issues that may limit him to a bullpen role, but his stuff is too good not to pass up.
When right his fastball touches 97 mph and is consistently 93-95 mph. His secondaries include a sweeping curveball that flashes plus potential and a changeup that’ll be an average offering long term. His slider has the same characteristics as his curveball but he commands his curveball better. While his mechanics are unique, he repeats his delivery well but when his mechanics aren’t compact that’s when he loses command of his pitches and starts overthrowing his fastball. He throws from a three-quarter arm slot and does get good extension on his pitches. Heatherly, with a mix of his injury history and high effort delivery, make him a bullpen candidate. However, he is still young enough for the Reds to continue to try him in the rotation.
18. Jackson Miller – C – Greeneville Reds (ROA)
18 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: R – 6’0″ – 195 lbs – ETA: 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| 30/55 | 35/40 | 20/45 | 50/50 | 55/55 | 55/55 | 40 |
No Professional Stats
The Reds took this prep-catcher in the second round in the 2020 draft. Miller has a contact oriented approach and has good plate discipline. Miller is quiet in the box and he continues to have a consistent line-drive approach, he’ll need to create more loft in his swing for his power to come around. When fully matured Miller is going to be a high-average, high on-base and supply 10-15 home run power from the catcher position.
Defensively, Miller is quick and athletic behind the plate, with an above-average arm, while he is an aggressive baserunner. he’ll surprise with his speed when its all said and done. The Reds might be aggressive with Miller but he will need to take time in the minors but the end result could pay major dividends for the Reds.
19. Bryce Bonnin – RHP – Billings Mustangs (ROA)
22 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’2″ – 190 lbs – ETA: 2023
| FB | CB | CH | SL | COMMAND | FV |
| 55/60 | 45/50 | 40/50 | 50/55 | 45/50 | 40 |
No Professional Stats
The Reds took Bonnin in the third round of the 2020 draft, and originally Bonnin was seen as a two-way talent when the Cubs took him in the 26th round in 2017. Since then he has fully transitioned into a pitcher, and while his numbers at Texas Tech aren’t exceptional, Bonnin took a major step forward in 2020 in terms of his stuff. While he did struggle to a 7.36 ERA in 14.2 innings, the biggest part was Bonnin’s 38.5 K% in 2020.
Mechanically, Bonnin is solid with a repeatable delivery that includes a consistent balance point, and creating deception by throwing across his body. What’s interesting is Texas Tech started simplifying his delivery so he could throw more strikes, so far its worked in the short term. He has two solid offerings, a fastball that’s normally in the mid-90’s that touches 97, and a slider that’s his main strikeout pitch due to its movement. He also has a curveball and changeup that flash potential but are more likely to be average offerings at best. While the Reds will give Bonnin every indication that he will start long term. His stuff could play up in the bullpen, mixing that with his high-effort delivery.
20. Mackenzie Wainwright – OF – Greeneville Reds (ROA) – 18 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’1” – 205 lbs – ETA: 2024
| HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | FLD | ARM | SPD | FV |
| 20/50 | 55/60 | 20/55 | 50/50 | 55/55 | 50/50 | 35+ |
No Professional Stats
Wainwright was drafted 4th round by the Reds in 2020, he was a multi-sport athlete in high school and has some power upside with the bat and overall could be a big part of the Reds lineup when fully developed.
He has a straight-up closed stance and creates torque with his hips. He has nice bat speed and a lofty bat path that’ll help his raw power as he matures. His ability to recognize off-speed and plate discipline are his main faults. However, as he experiences each level, Wainwright’s plate discipline should start progressing in the right direction. He’s a decent runner and has more of a future in the corner outfield spot with his above-average arm strength. There’s a lot to dream on with Mackenzie, as he’s extremely young but raw and has impressive tools across the board. He has a projectable frame but will need a lot of time in the minors to improve his game and could be a nice run producer that has 20+ home run power for the Reds.
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