With hot-hitting middle infielder Matt McClain recently joining the major league squad, the Cincinnati Reds have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to infield prospects.
2021 National League Rookie of the Year winner Johnathan India is firmly entrenched at second base, so the Reds will have to get creative to find positions in the lineup for everyone.
Elly De La Cruz
The top prospect in the Reds organization, De La Cruz is a 6’5″ switch-hitting shortstop who profiles to play third base in the majors due to his size.
Breaking out after batting .304 with 28 home runs and 86 RBI across two levels in 2022, De La Cruz has gotten off to a hot start in 2023. Hitting .280 with six home runs and 21 RBI while showing an increased eye at the plate on pace for a career-high in walks.
He is viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone so the Reds won’t be inclined to rush him to the majors, but he should definitely make his debut before the season is over.
