Redszone 2023 Top 40 prospects Poll: #35

[podgejeff_]

Esmith Pineda is next on our list which is fast approaching the end. Replacing him is Vanderbilt draftee Chris McElvain.

01. Elly De La Cruz SS/3B AA 20
02. Noelvi Marte SS A+ 21
03. Cam Collier 3B ROK 17
04. Edwin Arroyo SS A 19
05. Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B/3B AA 22
06. Matt McLain SS AA 23
07. Chase Petty RHP A+ 19
08. Spencer Steer INF MLB 24
09. Brandon Williamson LHP AAA 24
10. Connor Phillips RHP AA 21
11. Sal Stewart 3B ROK 18
12. Andrew Abbott LHP AA 23
13. Joe Boyle RHP AA 23
14. Levi Stoudt RHP MLB 24
15. Jay Allen II OF A+ 20
16. Michael Siani OF MLB 23
17. Austin Hendrick OF A+ 21
18. Rece Hinds OF AA 22
19. Ricardo Cabrera SS ROK 18
20. Christian Roa RHP AA 23
21. Lyon Richardson RHP A+ 22
22. Carlos Jorge 2B ROK 19
23. Ariel Almonte OF ROK 19
24. Jose Acuna RHP A 20
25. Victor Acosta SS ROK 18
25. Bryce Bonnin RHP A+ 24
27. Julian Aguiar RHP A+ 21
28. Yerlin Confidan OF A 20
29. Javi Rivera RHP A+ 23
30. Tyler Callihan 2B A+ 22
30. Alex McGarry 1B AAA 24
32. Leonardo Balcazar SS ROK 18
33. Bryce Hubbart LHP A 21
34. Esmith Pineda OF DSL 18

[RED VAN HOT]

I have to go with Allan Cerda here. The tools are there with the exception of contact. The board has overlooked the high K rates of Hinds, Hendrick, and McGarry. He also has a high BB rate. I think he is selling out for power. The board seems to be discounting him because the Reds dropped him from the 40. I think that was a strategic decision because he was unlikely to be taken by another team and there were others they needed to protect.

Tanner is next for me.

[Mitri]

Time for Ivan Johnson. The speed/power combo is intriguing, and he could be sort of interesting as a super-utility who can play a little SS if he gets that plate discipline in check. Can't beat that sort of profile at #35.

[Betterread]

Esmith Pineda is listed as playing in the Reds rookie league, but he has not played in that league. He played in the summer DSL in 2022, which is not even in the USA. It is considered to be a lower level than the Reds rookie team league.

[bah1286]

Going with Hector Rodriguez here. He’s young and he’s hit well so far.

[HokieRed]

Still going with Cade Hunter, but I suspect we are undervaluing Ivan Johnson (as a left-handed hitting infielder), Steve Hajjar, and the other catchers--Vellojin, Tanner, even Nelson.

[Mitri]

Still going with Cade Hunter, but I suspect we are undervaluing Ivan Johnson (as a left-handed hitting infielder), Steve Hajjar, and the other catchers--Vellojin, Tanner, even Nelson.

It’s really tough to distinguish between the catchers, especially with Hunter and Tanner being so new to the system. But I agree, all 4 guys probably deserve to be in the top 40. I’ll probably go Hajjar then Vellojin after Johnson.

I also like Hector Rodriguez but we’re running out of runway here.