Leo

Balcazar

Rodríguez is the notable name here for fantasy managers, especially in dynasty formats after slashing .283/.336/.450 with 19 homers and 15 steals across 135 games between two levels to finish last year at Triple-A. The 21-year-old will require some additional seasoning on the doorstep of the majors but he’s a power/speed combo talent worth watching throughout the season. Arroyo is one of Cincinnati’s top prospects entering the year after batting .284/.345/.371 with three homers and 12 steals in 120 games last season for Double-A Chattanooga.

The trio will be protected from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. Arroyo is the most prominent inclusion here as one of the better prospect in Cincinnati’s system. The 22-year-old hit .284/.345/.371 with three homers and 12 steals in 120 games last season for Double-A Chattanooga. Rodríguez is one of the more electric talents in the organization, and his long-term fantasy stock surged after he slashed .283/.336/.450 with 19 homers and 15 steals across 135 games between two levels, finishing the year at Triple-A. Balcazar also earns a spot on the 40-man roster after a strong showing recently in the Arizona Fall League.

Reds general manager Nick Krall insisted earlier this offseason that they have no plans to move Elly De La Cruz away from shortstop, despite his defensive struggles the past two seasons. However, they have several intriguing infield prospects on the way, including Balcazar — batting .385 (20-for-52) with four steals in 13 games this fall — who is doing his best this offseason to put his name in the same range as Sal Stewart, Cam Collier and Edwin Arroyo. The 21-year-old is unlikely to stick at shortstop long-term, especially since his athleticism and speed haven’t bounced back to pre-surgery levels after suffering a torn ACL during the 2023 campaign. He’ll likely open next season back at Double-A Chattanooga and could arrive in the big leagues at some point later in the year.