Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Cincinnati Reds' farm system is bubbling with talent, and the race to the top of the prospect rankings is heating up! With Julian Aguiar securing the #17 spot, it's time to dive into the next batch of rising stars vying for position #18. But here's where it gets controversial... Who will claim this coveted spot, and will their performance live up to the hype? Let's meet the contenders and let the debates begin!
Voting is now open for the final few spots! Cast your vote using the Google Form linked here or find it embedded below. Remember, once voting closes, the links will vanish faster than a line drive to center field, so don't delay! And this is the part most people miss... your vote could tip the scales in this tightly contested race.
Here’s how the leaderboard stands so far:
- Sal Stewart
- Alfredo Duno
- Rhett Lowder
- Hector Rodriguez
- Edwin Arroyo
- Cam Collier
- Steele Hall
- Tyson Lewis
- Chase Petty
- Arnaldo Lantigua
- Jose Franco
- Zach Maxwell
- Leo Balcazar
- Adolfo Sanchez
- Carlos Jorge
- Aaron Watson
- Julian Aguiar
Now, let's meet the prospects battling for the #18 spot, each with their own unique story and potential to shake up the rankings.
Liberts Aponte, SS (18 years old)
Aponte, signed for a whopping $1.9 million, is a defensive wizard with a 65-grade fielding ability. But here's the million-dollar question... Can his bat catch up to his glove? His 2025 DSL stats (.247/.368/.461, 7 HR, 9 SB) show promise, but he's still a work in progress. Will he be a gem or just another prospect with untapped potential?
Luke Holman, RHP (23 years old)
Holman, a 2nd-round pick in 2024, has wicked breaking balls but lacks fastball velocity (91-94 mph). And this is where opinions diverge... Is he a future back-end starter or better suited for the bullpen? His recovery from Tommy John surgery will be the ultimate test.
Mason Morris, RHP (22 years old)
Morris, a former corner infielder, has a 100 mph fastball and a four-pitch mix. But here's the catch... He's new to pitching and turns 23 in 2026. Will the Reds give him time to develop as a starter, or will he dominate as a reliever? The clock is ticking.
Mason Neville, OF (22 years old)
Neville, a 4th-round pick in 2025, has 60-grade power and plus speed. However, his high strikeout rate raises eyebrows... Can he make consistent contact at higher levels? If so, he could be the steal of the draft.
Sheng-En Lin, RHP (20 years old)
Lin, a former two-way player, has a 97 mph fastball and excellent command. The debate rages on... Will his focus on pitching pay off, or will his hitting background remain a missed opportunity? His 2026 performance will be pivotal.
Ricky Cabrera, 3B (21 years old)
Cabrera, a former top international prospect, had a disastrous 2025 season due to injury. But here's the silver lining... He's only 21 with above-average power and speed. Can he bounce back and reclaim his potential?
Tyler Callihan, IF/OF (26 years old)
Callihan, a left-handed hitter with plus bat speed, has been plagued by injuries. The question remains... Can he stay healthy long enough to prove his worth? His utility player profile keeps him in the Reds' plans.
Hansel Jimenez, SS/3B (19 years old)
Jimenez, with 70-grade raw power, is an athletic phenom. But his high strikeout rate sparks debate... Will he refine his swing, or is he destined for a move to 3B? His youth and tools make him a fascinating prospect.
Now, it's your turn to decide! Who deserves the #18 spot? Vote now and join the discussion. Will these prospects rise to stardom or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—the Reds' future is bright, and the debates are just getting started!
