Billy Hamilton will open the 2014 season as Cincinnati's center fielder.
Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Reds’ system ranks in the bottom half among all 30 MLB teams, but it’s rich with players that should contribute in the major leagues over the next several years.
Billy Hamilton obviously is the first name to come up in any conversation regarding the future of the Reds. However, focusing solely on Hamilton overshadows the fact that the system is rich with outfield talent.
22-year-old Yorman Rodriguez’s prospect stock is on the rise after a long-overdue breakout season in Double-A, as is the stock of 2012 first-rounder Jesse Winker following his impressive full-season debut in Low-A. Last but not least is Phil Ervin, the 27th overall pick in the 2013 draft, who posted a .989 OPS with nine home runs in 200 plate appearances this past summer during his professional debut.
On the mound, right-hander Robert Stephenson made a surge up the organizational ladder last season behind a near-elite fastball and devastating breaking ball, and he enters the 2014 season ranked as the team’s top prospect.
After Stephenson, the Reds house several intriguing arms in Michael Lorenzen, Carlos Contreras, Nick Travieso and Ben Lively. However, all four right-handers have fringy command and may be better suited for a career in the bullpen. Meanwhile, left-hander David Holmberg, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks during the offseason, provides the organization with rotational depth at the Triple-A and major league levels.
Here’s a look at the Cincinnati Reds’ top 10 prospects for 2014.
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