The Cincinnati Reds haven’t been the picture perfect example of an MLB franchise. The team has struggled mightily over the last few seasons. But thanks to a few Amateur Draft successes, they might be back in business sooner rather than later.
At the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft, the Reds were fortunate enough to snag Hunter Greene, the stud 17-year-old
pitching prospect out of California. He’s arguably the most highly touted Reds pitching prospect since Homer Bailey in 2004.
Assuming Cincinnati can sign Greene away from his commitment at UCLA, the Reds can rest easy knowing they’ve got a potential ace, waiting to be used when the team sees fit. Some call him the best high school pitcher of all-time, and the Cincinnati Reds hope all the hype is real.
Another part of the Reds overhauled minor league roster is 2016 2nd overall pick, Nick Senzel. Unlike Greene, Senzel has some professional baseball experience under him already. The former University of Tennessee standout is batting .305 in High-A ball for the Reds organization.
A lot of Reds fans and front office personnel believe Senzel is the franchise cornerstone for years to come. As Joey Votto ages, it will be Senzel who fills the void left by him ( Although Votto has shown no signs of slowing down.) and becomes the teams main attraction.
Of course, the Cincinnati Reds won’t be instantaneously better overnight. Senzel has yet to find his groove with the long ball. He’s only gone deep 4 times in 246 at-bats this season.
Greene is still only 17 years of age. And who’s to say whether or not he remains a pitcher in the Reds organization, as he’s also an established infield prospect as well.
The future does indeed look a lot better for the Reds. For the first time in years, it appears that hope is on the horizon. These two prospects, along with many others, will help shape the organization for years to come.