Monday’s are a bit different this year (and it looks like it’ll be that way next year, too) as in the Cincinnati Reds organization the only teams that play are at the complexes in Goodyear and the Dominican Republic. With those games fresh on my mind it felt like a good time to take a look at some of the players at the two levels who are standing out for their performance this season
Arizona Complex League Reds
Yerlin Confidan
Background: The 18-year-old is making his professional debut this year. He signed out of the Dominican Republic in July of 2019.
In 43 games this season the right fielder has hit .314/.358/.562 with 9 doubles, a triple, and 9 home runs. He is tied for the league lead in home runs. Confidan also has seven stolen bases on the season to go along with 10 walks and 39 strikeouts.
Yassel Pino
Background: The 19-year-old corner infielder is in his second professional season. He was the 29th round draft pick by the Reds out of South High School in Miami in 2019.
In 35 games played this season he has hit .298/.441/.500 with 5 doubles, a triple, and 4 home runs. He’s also stolen 7 bases on the season while walking 24 times with just 21 strikeouts.
Dominican Summer League Reds
Carlos Jorge
Background: The 17-year-old infielder is making his professional debut this season. He signed with the Reds in January of 2021.
Carlos Jorge has played in 27 games with the DSL Reds so far this season and is hitting .350/.422/.570 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs. He’s also stolen 18 bases in 18 attempts, has 12 walks, and he’s struck out 21 times.
Leonardo Balcazar
Background: The 17-year-old shortstop signed with the Reds in January of 2021.
It’s been a big professional debut for Leonardo Balcazar. He’s hitting .263/.353/.545 with 4 doubles, 3 triples, and 6 home runs this season. He’s tied for 3rd in the league in homers and 7th in slugging percentage.
Dualvert Gutierrez
Background: The 20-year-old signed with the Reds in September of 2019. He’s making his professional debut in 2021.
The right-handed pitcher has made six starts and four relief appearances. He’s posted a 3.65 ERA in 37.0 innings with 7 walks and 56 strikeouts.
Doug, this is actually exciting to see the International player development finally taking hold with a commitment. Next years class, the Reds are already earmarked as to expected to sign 3 of the top 50, Ricardo Cabrera SS, Anthuan Valenzia SS, and OF Esmith Pineda.
When the league top 20 lists come out, even with the hype of high priced signees assuming spots on those lists, its still a good measure if where our players compare. I’m guessing Confidan grabs a top 20 spot given his tools and performance.
It’s behind the BA paywall, but the Reds are linked to a Top 5 international prospect., which is pretty exciting. Also, a few of us old-timers will remember a Reds prospect from yesteryear, William Bergolla, whose son of the same name is a Top 25 guy. The senior Bergolla could really hit, and was wiry strong, just not strong enough.
The William Bergolla as a prospect thing is hurting my soul. When I saw the name pop up last year at some point I think I went into a depression for a week.
”Do I dare say’ that Carlos Jorge and Leonardo Balcazar remind me of a very young versions of the two players that came up through the Twins organization .
Eduardo Escobar
Jorge Polanco