The Minor League Baseball season is a month into the year now and for most players it’s given us new information to look at as they’ve got games under their belts. The Cincinnati Reds, who were rated as having the 7th best farm system in baseball entering the year according to Baseball America, has gone from having five prospects in the top 100 to having six as they unveiled their updated Top 100 Prospect List.
In what seems like there’s just about no way it’s possible, Cincinnati has three prospects ranked in the mid-30’s, all in a row. Shortstop Jose Barrero, and starting pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are rated 34-35-36 in the rankings. Barrero hasn’t played a game all season as he recovers from surgery to remove his hamate bone in his hand/wrist. He should return soon. Greene has been in the big league rotation and has had mixed results so far through four starts. He’ll take the mound tomorrow afternoon against the Brewers to try and get things turned around a bit. Like Greene, Lodolo has been in the big league rotation and has had mixed results. The left is currently on the injured list and has made just three starts, but is expected to return later this week.
Elly De La Cruz moved up two spots on the list. The 20-year-old shortstop is out to a solid start with Dayton, hitting .269/.310/.478 on the season with seven extra-base hits and six stolen bases in 17 games played. Brandon Williamson, who joined the organization in the trade with the Seattle Mariners in March, came in at #80 – up one spot. The lefty has struggled through four starts for Chattanooga, posting a 6.61 ERA with 15 walks in 16.1 innings so far this season.
The newcomer to the list from the Reds organization is also currently playing in Chattanooga with the Lookouts. 2021 1st round pick Matt McLain debuts on the list at #99. The shortstop has hit .270/.361/.635 with 14 extra-base hits and five stolen bases through 21 games in Double-A.