The Cincinnati Reds are focusing on developing their homegrown talent as they navigate the challenges of being a small-market club. After a strong showing in 2023, with 16 players making their Major League debuts, the Reds continued to see new faces join the roster in 2024. Among the most notable prospects were starting pitchers Rhett Lowder and Julian Aguiar, along with outfielder Rece Hinds.
Despite a dip in the rankings of their farm system—falling from No. 5 at the end of 2023 to No. 14 entering 2024—many of the Reds’ best prospects are still young and developing below the Double-A level. Here’s a closer look at a few players who have made an impact this season and are poised to contribute in the future:
Players Who Made Waves in 2024
- Tyler Callihan (2B/LF, Unranked)
- Drafted in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Callihan battled injuries but showed resilience in 2024. He batted .271 with a .758 OPS and eight home runs in 69 games at Double-A Chattanooga before getting a taste of Triple-A, where he went 5-for-14 with a homer. Callihan’s performance has put him back on the radar, and he’s likely to be added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
- Zach Maxwell (RHP, No. 21 Prospect)
- The 6-foot-6 right-hander was impressive in his early outings, starting the season with a 1.23 ERA at Chattanooga before a promotion to Louisville. Although he faced challenges with a 3.89 ERA in Triple-A, Maxwell showed improvement later in the season, with a 1.64 ERA over his last 10 games. His size and potential make him a player to watch as he adjusts to more advanced competition.
- Chase Petty (RHP, No. 8 Prospect)
- Petty finished the season strong, going 10-5 with a 4.39 ERA over 26 starts at Chattanooga. He demonstrated his endurance by pitching deeper into games, with three of his last five starts going seven innings. After a successful stint at Louisville, where he had a 1.80 ERA in two starts, he could be in line for a big league debut if the rotation faces injuries in 2025.
Breakout Players to Watch in 2025
- Edwin Arroyo (SS, No. 3 Prospect)
- Arroyo’s 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he’s working hard in the Arizona Fall League to regain lost development time. If he can recover well and perform in the coming season, Arroyo could quickly rise in the ranks of Reds prospects.
With a focus on developing young talent, the Reds are laying the groundwork for sustained competitiveness. As players like Callihan, Maxwell, Petty, and Arroyo continue to develop, they could play crucial roles in the team’s future success.
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