Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of the Cincinnati Reds' prospect rankings! Today, we're uncovering the story behind the #20 spot, a position that has sparked curiosity and debate among fans.
Our top prospect, Sheng-En Lin, has made an impressive climb to #19 in the Community Prospect Rankings. After transitioning from a two-way player to a pitch-only role, Lin's performance on the mound has been exceptional, reaching Class-A Daytona. The hope is that with his sole focus on pitching, he'll continue to refine his skills and showcase his talent.
Now, the voting for the final spot is upon us! Who will claim the #20 position?
You can find the voting form here, but be quick! Once the voting closes, the links will be removed to prevent any post-facto ballot stuffing. So, don't delay and cast your vote!
Here's a glimpse of the current top 19 prospects:
- 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
- Tyler Callihan
- Sheng-En Lin
And now, the contenders for #20!
Liberts Aponte, SS (18 years old):
In 2025, Aponte showcased a promising performance in the DSL Rojos, posting a .247/.368/.461 slash line with 7 homers and 9 stolen bases in 193 plate appearances. His strike zone awareness has improved significantly, evidenced by a 29/35 K/BB ratio. Defensively, he's already a plus at shortstop, projecting to excel in range and arm strength. However, there's still room for growth with his bat, and physically, he has a long way to mature. The Reds invested $1.9 million in Aponte, the largest contract in their international signing window, and MLB Pipeline ranked him #18 overall in his class, praising his defensive skills and potential.
Luke Holman, RHP (23 years old):
Holman, Cincinnati's 2nd-round pick in 2024, has a pair of plus breaking pitches (slider, curve) but lacks velocity on his fastball, sitting at 91-94 mph. In 2025, he made a strong start with the Daytona Tortugas, but an elbow issue sidelined him, requiring Tommy John surgery. Before his injury, Holman dominated SEC play with Alabama and LSU, showcasing a 91-94 mph fastball and wicked breaking balls. If he returns to form in 2026, he could be a back-end starter, quickly rising through the Reds' system.
Mason Morris, RHP (22 years old):
Morris, a former corner infielder, has recently transitioned to pitching full-time. He possesses a 100 mph fastball and a four-pitch mix, but his lack of experience is a concern. The Reds seem to be testing his potential as a starter, but with his age and limited outings, it might be more beneficial to utilize him as a reliever, where he could quickly rise through the minors.
Mason Neville, OF (22 years old):
Neville is an incredibly toolsy player with 60-grade power, a plus arm, and plus speed and baserunning skills. He led Division I with 26 homers in his final season at Oregon. While his sample size with the Daytona Tortugas is small, it shows a high strikeout rate, which could be a cause for concern. However, his overall potential and athleticism make him a strong candidate for the #20 spot.
Ricky Cabrera, 3B (21 years old):
Cabrera had a challenging 2025 season, ending with a knee injury. However, his 2024 performance was impressive, posting a 110 wRC+ with 11 homers and 19 stolen bases in the Florida State League. With his above-average power, speed, and hit tool, Cabrera has the potential to be a solid 3B or 2B defensively, but he'll need to improve his accuracy and batting consistency.
Hansel Jimenez, SS/3B (19 years old):
Jimenez, signed during the 2024 international period, has immediately made a splash with his elite athleticism and impressive batted-ball metrics. He has raw 70-grade power and the potential to be a plus runner and fielder. However, his high strikeout rate (25.9% in the DSL) and contact issues (64% contact rate) are areas of concern. Despite these, Jimenez's overall package of skills makes him a strong prospect.
So, who will claim the #20 spot? Cast your vote and let your voice be heard! These prospects are ready to make their mark, and your opinion matters! Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion! Who do you think deserves this final spot? Let's find out!
