Redszone 2023 Top 40 prospects Poll: #11

[podgejeff_]

Connor Phillips closes out our top 10. A top ten full of new names who weren't here a year ago, illustrating just how much our latest trades have reshaped the farm. Replacing him in the poll is Ariel Almonte. Also shortening these to two days, which by my terrible math leaves this finishing up somewhere in the middle of January (with some room to spare for me missing a deadline or two).

1. Elly De La Cruz SS/3B AA 20
2. Noelvi Marte SS A+ 21
3. Cam Collier 3B ROK 17
4. Edwin Arroyo SS A 19
5. Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B/3B AA 22
6. Matt McLain SS AA 23
7. Chase Petty RHP A+ 19
8. Spencer Steer INF MLB 24
9. Brandon Williamson LHP AAA 24
10. Connor Phillips RHP AA 21

[NC Reds]

Abbott time.
Do it. Do it.

[*BaseClogger*]

I'll go Siani because it seems so likely he'll contribute and if his offense develops just a little more he'll be an average starter.

I also considered Stewart, Stoudt, and Boyle. But Stewart is too far away at a corner, and Stoudt/Boyle seem like relievers. Unless they're absolute stud relievers, give me a LH outfielder who will be in the mix...

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'll go Siani because it seems so likely he'll contribute and if his offense develops just a little more he'll be an average starter.

I also considered Stewart, Stoudt, and Boyle. But Stewart is too far away at a corner, and Stoudt/Boyle seem like relievers. Unless they're absolute stud relievers, give me a LH outfielder who will be in the mix...

IMO, quality relievers are more valuable than second-division starters, but I recognize that's probably a minority view brough about by too many blown saves.

[Kinsm]

Joe Boyle has feasted on low level hitters who can't catch up to his speed, his command will doom him at the upper levels.

He wouldn't be in my top 30.

[RED VAN HOT]

IMO, quality relievers are more valuable than second-division starters, but I recognize that's probably a minority view brough about by too many blown saves.

I hold the same view. I think that this year MLB free agent signings for relief arms will reflect that. The game is changing. Pens are the strength of teams. Starters are increasingly seen as pitchers who can get you through 6 innings until a procession of relief arms seal the deal. I don't think the prospect lists have caught up with this. They still favor starters with relievers relegated to a team's 15-25 range.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Joe Boyle has feasted on low level hitters who can't catch up to his speed, his command will doom him at the upper levels.

He wouldn't be in my top 30.

We'll see, I guess.

I see him as Tanner Rainey type even if he can't harness his control.

If that doesn't crack the top 30, the Reds have knocked it out of the park, prospect-wise.

[Old school 1983]

7 of the top 10 were acquired by trade in the past year. Crazy.

[Z-Fly]

7 of the top 10 were acquired by trade in the past year. Crazy.

Is that legit or part of the new prospect shine?

[Mitri]

I like Boyle a lot more than others but I’m switching my vote to Abbott until he’s off the board. I think he’s got a chance to be a wily 4/5 starter for years.

[Kc61]

I’m sticking with Stewart and then Abbott. I actually prefer Abbott but he doesn’t quite have the traction yet on the poll.

In 2022 Boyle walked 84 guys in 100.2 innings. That’s not a small thing, I can’t go there until much later on.

[RED VAN HOT]

I’m sticking with Stewart and then Abbott. I actually prefer Abbott but he doesn’t quite have the traction yet on the poll.

In 2022 Boyle walked 84 guys in 100.2 innings. That’s not a small thing, I can’t go there until much later on.

When drafted, Boyle was said to have premium velocity, but was strike challenged. I haven't seen anything yet that would change that assessment.

I voted Siani. I can't see any team going deep into the playoffs without a plus defensive CF'er. He only needs to hit .250 and OPS .700.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I can't see any team going deep into the playoffs without a plus defensive CF'er.

The Phillies just made it to the World Series with a barely sufficient CF. Aaron Judge, while absolutely an MVP candidate, didn't exactly distinguish himself as a CF either. And Toronto's George Springer has been slightly below average defensively for quite a while now as a CF.

[camisadelgolf]

Because of the universal DH, Sal Stewart is the obvious choice for me. Hinds may have more raw power and arm strength, but Stewart's hit tool is way better at their respective ages.

[Kinsm]

I skipped the first 10 votes, I suppose I'll break this tie for #11.