Now that the draft and the trading deadline have come and gone, the Reds farm rebuild is complete. I haven't done one of these in years, and with all the new names it feels like an exciting time to take a stab at it and see where things are looking for the future. Also included their projected starting level for next season:
GRADE A (Top 25 prospect in the game, future All-Star potential)
1. Elly De La Cruz SS AA - one of the most exciting prospects we've ever had, his upside is higher than perhaps anyone in the minors. Biggest question is whether he's the next Eric Davis or the next Jose Reyes (with more power), at least positionally speaking
2. Noelvi Marte SS/3B/CF AA - the crown jewel of this year's teardown will likely end up at whatever position Elly doesn't - either 3B or CF probably in that order
GRADE B (Top 100 prospect in the game, future first division starter)
3. Cam Collier 3B A+ - could easily get to Grade A status with a strong pro debut
4. Edwin Arroyo SS A+ - if he keeps hitting like this he too could end up a Grade A, as he's the likeliest name on here to stick at SS
5. Matt McLain SS/3B/2B/OF AAA - the forgotten former top pick will likely need to move off SS, but he should get to AAA immediately IMO
6. Connor Phillips RHP AA - the best arm from this year's rebuild has been impressive in his first year in the organization
GRADE C (Future major leaguer likely)
7. Spencer Steer INF MLB - knocking on the door of being Grade B. Let's hope he's more 2022 Brandon Drury than rest of career Brandon Drury (or to use another Reds example - more Justin Turner than Chris Valaika)
8. Brandon Williamson LHP MLB - took a small step back this year, but should be ready to challenge for the #5 starter job in ST
9. Chase Petty RHP AA - could have some helium and end up a Grade B/top 100 prospect by this time next year
10. Andrew Abbott LHP AAA - he'll be in Cincy before long, likely as a middle reliever but some hope he could be a BOR starter (and be next year's Graham Ashcraft)
11. Jay Allen CF A+ - next year will be sink or swim, but the potential is there
12. Allan Cerda CF AA - continues to perform nicely, could be a future Jose Siri type
13. Rece Hinds RF AA - one of my personal favorites, he has to learn better discipline to avoid becoming the next Juan Francisco
14. Sal Stewart 1B A - I have high hopes he could rocket up this list and be the 1B of the future in the Yonder Alonso mold
15. Steve Hajjar LHP AA - didn't love today's trade but I like the fact that he's a Wolverine and has had a hot start, hopefully he becomes the next Rich Hill
16. Victor Acosta SS/2B A - I felt like he was a good get for Drury, switch-hitting version of Cabrera. Hoping he develops into more than a Rey Olmedo type
17. Ricardo Cabrera SS A - Reds highest rated international signing in some time, we have high hopes for him
18. Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B/3B AA/AAA - hoping he's more than the next Neftali Soto. Other Redzoners seem to be higher on him than me
19. Levi Stoudt RHP AAA - would've strongly preferred Emerson Hancock over him, but hopefully he can shake off this year's disappointment and be a useful bullpen piece soon
20. Logan Tanner C A+ - hoping he has a better pro debut than Mat Nelson or Jackson Miller
21. Joe Boyle RHP AA - great season this year, hopefully he keeps it up next year
22. Bryce Bonnin RHP AA - been great when healthy, unfortunately that hasn't been a lot
23. Christian Roa RHP AAA - the less impressive but healthier version of Bonnin, he could probably pitch in relief in Cincy before long
24. Jose Acuna RHP AA - a nice young arm they got for Naquin, let's see how he performs in Chattanooga next year
25. Tyler Callihan 2B AA - some are higher on him than me, but I feel like he's gonna get lost now more than ever with all the infield talent coming
(tie) Mat Nelson C AA - his bat has been disappointing so far, he's mostly here on his sandwich round pedigree from last year. Hoping (but not optimistic) he can be more than the next Chris Okey