The Cincinnati Reds have an abundance of young promising talent on their current roster and in their farm system. Led by do-it-all infielder Elly De La Cruz, pitcher Hunter Greene Machine and rising rookie Rece Hines, the big boy club seems to be set for the future in some key positions.
Bam Bam Cam Collier Is Reds Brightest Prospect
The Reds’ most intriguing prospect is the 19-year-old third baseman Cam Collier who was the club’s first round pick in 2022 (18th overall). The son of former major league Lou Collier has all the tools, and those were recently on full display as he participated in the MLB Futures Game at MLB All-Star Weekend. Not only did he show up, but he showed out taking home MVP honors at the event that highlights the future talent in MLB.
In the aftermath of being named MVP, Collier received his MVP award from Reds and MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr.
“It was definitely surreal,” Collier told reporters. Ken Griffey is a player I have always looked up to: somebody you just watch on TV and be like. That’s a guy I want to grow up to be. Being able to get that award from him was definitely special.”
Cam Collier is pretty good at this baseball thing. @Cam_Collier16 pic.twitter.com/VOTB8IFFq7
— Reds On The Rise (@RedsOnTheRise) July 13, 2024
Collier Proving MVP Was No Fluke
Since Collier’s big weekend in Texas the steadily rising 19-year-old has been on a bit of a tear. He’s raised his one shoddy batting average from .229 to .281 since the All-Star break. His latest game was easily his best as a pro as he went 4-for-5 with a walk in the High-A Dayton Dragons (13-9) win. In the game he doubled and hit his team-leading 15th home run.
In Collier’s last seven games he’s been on a tear going 12-25 with four walks, two homers, three doubles, five RBI and nine runs scored, in short, he’s showing why a move to Double-A this season is highly plausible.
From one MVP to another 🏆
MLB HOF’er Ken Griffey Jr. presents the Larry Doby Award to the MLB All Star Futures Game MVP, @Cam_Collier16 ‼️💥 pic.twitter.com/KSbCpgbRMK
— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) July 14, 2024
Collier Is The Future On The Hot Corner
Heading into the 2024 MLB season, Collier was ranked as the eighth-best third base prospect in the minors. His rare blend of hitting ability and power make him a really viable and key piece of the Reds future.
Collier is currently the youngest player in the Midwest League, and his .956 OPS against pitchers who were much older than him was super impressive in 2023.
That’s been more of the same in 2024, and with his latest hot streak at the plate, Collier is putting himself on the fast track to the majors which is expected to come to fruition in 2026.