When the Cincinnati Reds drafted infielder Cam Collier with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft he was only 17-years-old. Not only did the Reds brass draft him they also gave him a $5 million signing bonus which is well above the $3.6 million slot value for the 18th pick. It’s safe to say that Collier’s pedigree preceded him and that definitely played a role in him receiving such a big bonus.
The son of former MLB player Lou Collier who played eight seasons with five different franchises has been raised around the game. That along with Collier’s unique skill set was enough for the Reds brass to take the risk of drafting him at 17. Thus far that investment is paying off with Collier batting a respectable (.317) with seven home runs and 73 RBI across stints with Single-A Daytona of the Florida State League, and the High-A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League.
Collier Ready To Continue Climb In 2024
Since the pre-draft process in 2022, Collier has shown a propensity to really have it together when it comes to speaking to the media. The well-spoken now 19-year-old has shown time and time again that he’s definitely a straight shooter. During a recent interview at Daytona Air Ballpark, the talented third baseman answered questions about his talent and of course what he’s hoping to accomplish this season and beyond.
The reporter asked Collier if he considered himself to be a prodigy?
Here’s how Collier answered the question.
“Prodigy? Nah, I’m no prodigy. I’ve just worked really hard to get here and I’m reaping the benefits of that hard work.”
That strong work ethic definitely comes from his dad, the aforementioned Lou Collier who even in retirement has stayed close to the game as a big-league scout, a coach for the U.S. national team and a dedicated coach with various MLB Develops programs. He also started the Lou Collier Association — whose goal is to help and instruct the youth in their baseball journey. That in itself is something Cam has been afforded, and some of the reason why he was such a highly regarded prospect at 17.
Collier Reclassified Himself To 2022 Draft
In an effort to challenge himself as he and his dad have done all his life with him always playing up two years over his age, Collier only spent two years in high school. At the age of 16 he earned his GED and enrolled at Chipola College in Florida. After one season he reclassified and entered the 2022 draft. In the interview Collier mentioned his reasoning for going to college at 16 and then reclassifying to enter the draft a year earlier than expected.
“I just wanted to challenge myself and face older guys. I felt it would get me more prepared for professional baseball instead of continuing to play in high school for two more years.”
The move seems to have been the right one for the 6–foot-2 and 215 third baseman who at his size has flashed a great glove on the hot corner, and a steadily improving bat at the plate. With his expected call up not until 2026, Collier will continue to work on refining his craft, and with a Double-A call up a possibility this season, Cam will continue to strive for greatness.
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