The Cincinnati Reds are building something special. With a strong mix of high-upside arms, versatile infielders, and power-hitting bats, their farm system remains one of the most exciting in baseball. Over the past few years, the Reds have steadily stockpiled talent through the draft, international signings, and trades, creating a pipeline of future stars who could help lead the franchise back to playoff contention.
In 2025, several of these top prospects are on the verge of breaking through, whether it’s dominant pitchers like Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, rising infielders like Cam Collier and Edwin Arroyo, or high-ceiling bats like Alfredo Duno and Ricardo Cabrera. Some will get their first taste of big-league action this year, while others are still developing their skills in the minors, waiting for their chance to shine.
So, who are the 10 best Reds prospects to watch this season? Let’s break them down, look at their strengths, weaknesses, and timelines, and predict what their futures might hold in Cincinnati.
1. Chase Burns – Right-Handed Pitcher
Chase Burns stands out as the Reds’ premier prospect, renowned for his electrifying fastball that consistently touches triple digits. His collegiate career at Tennessee was marked by dominance. As a freshman, he struck out 103 batters over 80 innings, boasting a 2.91 ERA. This performance solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting pitching talents in recent years. Beyond his blazing fastball, Burns possesses a devastating slider with a 60% whiff rate, complemented by a hammer curveball and a solid changeup. His athleticism allows him to repeat his delivery effectively, though he has faced some command challenges in the past. Burns is projected to ascend quickly through the minors, potentially anchoring the Reds’ rotation in the coming years.
2. Rhett Lowder – Right-Handed Pitcher
Rhett Lowder, a Wake Forest alumnus, has rapidly progressed through the Reds’ system since being selected seventh overall in the 2023 draft. His 2024 season was noteworthy; after a brief stint at High-A Dayton, he advanced to Double-A Chattanooga, where he overcame early challenges to post a 1.88 ERA over his final seven starts. This late-season surge earned him a promotion to Triple-A Louisville and, subsequently, to the major leagues. Lowder showcased his ability to suppress hard contact in his initial MLB appearances, holding hitters to a 3.3% barrel rate. His arsenal includes a commanding fastball, a sharp slider, and a deceptive changeup, all delivered with precision. As the 2025 season unfolds, Lowder is poised to compete for a permanent spot in the Reds’ rotation, bringing stability and depth to the pitching staff.
3. Cam Collier – Third Baseman
Cam Collier’s path to professional baseball is as unconventional as it is impressive. Reclassifying to the 2022 draft class after completing high school early, Collier enrolled at Chipola College, where he excelled against older competition, hitting .333 with eight home runs. His performance in the Cape Cod League further cemented his status as a top prospect. The Reds selected him 18th overall, and he has since demonstrated his potential in the minors. In 2024, at High-A Dayton, Collier posted a .248/.355/.443 slash line with 20 home runs and 74 RBIs, showcasing his raw power and plate discipline.While his strikeout rate hovers around 25%, his youth and ability to adjust suggest a promising future. Defensively, Collier is primarily stationed at third base, but discussions about a potential shift to first base have emerged, depending on organizational needs. As he continues to develop, Collier’s trajectory points toward becoming a cornerstone of the Reds’ infield.
4. Edwin Arroyo – Shortstop
Edwin Arroyo’s 2024 season was derailed by a shoulder injury during Spring Training, sidelining him for the year. Prior to the injury, Arroyo had been on an upward trajectory, impressing with his performance at High-A Dayton, where he hit .248 with 13 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 119 games. His brief promotion to Double-A Chattanooga saw continued success, as he went 6-for-20 with three extra-base hits. Demonstrating resilience, Arroyo returned to action in the Arizona Fall League, posting a .253 average with five extra-base hits and seven steals over 18 games. Known for his balanced swing and the ability to generate loft, Arroyo possesses the potential for both power and speed, making him a dual threat. As he enters the 2025 season healthy, Arroyo aims to solidify his status as a top prospect and accelerate his progression through the Reds’ system.
5. Sal Stewart – Third Baseman/Second Baseman
Sal Stewart’s professional career has been characterized by exceptional plate discipline. Over his tenure, he has amassed 138 walks against 139 strikeouts, reflecting his keen eye and patience. In 2024, Stewart’s season was curtailed by a wrist injury requiring surgery, limiting his playing time. However, prior to the injury, he showcased his offensive prowess at High-A, slashing .279/.391/.454 with eight home runs and ten stolen bases. His ability to make consistent contact and tap into his raw power positions him as a potential offensive asset for the Reds. Defensively, Stewart has displayed versatility, splitting time between third and second base. As he returns to full health, the 2025 season will be pivotal for Stewart to demonstrate his readiness for higher levels of competition and reaffirm his standing among the Reds’ top prospects.
6. Chase Petty – Right-Handed Pitcher
Both challenges and triumphs have marked chase Petty’s journey through the Reds’ organization. Acquired in a trade for Sonny Gray, Petty initially garnered attention for his triple-digit fastball. Over time, he has refined his approach, developing a four-pitch arsenal that includes a 95 mph sinker and a sweeping slider. In 2024, Petty logged a career-high 137 innings at Double-A, posting a 4.39 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, with just under a strikeout per inning. He concluded the season with two starts at Triple-A, indicating the organization’s confidence in his development. As Petty continues to hone his command and consistency, he stands on the cusp of a major league debut, with the potential to bolster the Reds’ rotation in the near future
7. Alfredo Duno – Catcher
At 19 years old, Alfredo Duno has already begun to turn heads within the Reds’ organization. Despite facing injuries that shortened his 2024 season, Duno’s performance in Single-A was noteworthy. He posted a 127 wRC+, indicating his offensive contributions were 27% above league average. While his 28% strikeout rate suggests room for improvement in plate discipline, his double-plus power and patient approach are evident. Defensively, Duno’s strong arm and game management skills have been lauded, positioning him as a potential long-term asset behind the plate. As he gains more experience and refines his skills, Duno could evolve into a catcher capable of delivering 25 home runs annually, making him an exciting prospect for the Reds.
8. Ricardo Cabrera – Infielder
Ricardo Cabrera, a versatile infielder, has showcased his adaptability by playing multiple positions, including third base, shortstop, and second base. In 2024, Cabrera demonstrated his offensive potential at Single-A Daytona by hitting .253 with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases over approximately 400 at-bats. His ability to contribute bothoffensively and defensively adds valuable depth to the Reds’ infield prospects. As Cabrera continues to develop, his versatility and consistent performance could accelerate his progression through the minor league ranks, with the potential to reach Double-A in the near future.
9. Sammy Stafura – Shortstop
Sammy Stafura experienced a challenging start to his professional career in 2023 but made significant strides in 2024. After a tough initial stint in the Complex League, where he batted .191 over 12 games, Stafura rebounded impressively. He excelled upon returning to the Complex League and earned a promotion to Single-A Daytona, where he displayed his contact skills and exceptional baserunning abilities. Defensively, Stafura held his own at shortstop and his occasional power hints at further offensive development. As he continues to refine his skills, Stafura’s athleticism and adaptability make him a prospect worth monitoring closely.
10. Julian Aguiar – Right-Handed Pitcher
Julian Aguiar has been a beacon of consistency within the Reds’ pitching prospects. His breakout season in 2023 carried over into 2024, culminating in seven starts for the major league club. Aguiar’s pitching style is characterized by his sinker/slider combination, which he utilizes effectively against hitters from both sides of the plate. Additionally, he possesses a changeup that could become a more prominent part of his repertoire at the major league level to keep hitters off balance. Aguiar’s development hit a setback with the announcement of Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. Despite this, his prior performances indicate a promising future once he returns to full health.
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