Three Reds Prospects Who Could Turn Heads at Spring Training
As the Cincinnati Reds roll into Goodyear, Arizona for spring training, most eyes will naturally gravitate toward the high-profile arms vying for the fifth spot in the rotation. Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty headline a deep group of young pitchers, and rightfully so. But while the spotlight shines on the mound, there’s another layer of intrigue bubbling just beneath the surface.
Several lesser-hyped-but no less intriguing-prospects are set to make their case this spring. These are the kinds of players who may not be on every top-10 list, but who have the tools to force their way into the conversation. Here are three names to keep a close eye on as camp unfolds.
Cam Collier: A Power Switch Waiting to Flip
Cam Collier isn’t your typical under-the-radar name. A first-round talent with a polished swing and advanced approach, Collier entered the Reds’ system with high expectations. But after a 2025 season that saw his power numbers dip-just four home runs and a .384 slugging percentage-it’s fair to say some of the shine has worn off.
That said, Collier’s story is far from written. He’s still just 21 and has the kind of offensive upside that doesn’t disappear overnight.
The challenge? Finding a path forward in an increasingly crowded infield.
With Sal Stewart rising quickly and the Reds adding veterans like Ke’Bryan Hayes and Eugenio Suárez, the corner spots are suddenly logjammed.
But spring training is all about opportunity, and if Collier can rediscover his power stroke, he’ll make it very difficult for Cincinnati to ignore him. His bat speed and raw strength are still there-it’s just a matter of translating that into results. A loud spring could reinsert his name into the Reds’ long-term plans and reignite the buzz that once surrounded him.
Jose Franco: The Sleeper Arm with Something to Prove
Jose Franco’s prospect status depends on who you ask. Some evaluators view him as a back-end depth piece.
Others, like FanGraphs, see a legitimate rotation candidate with impact stuff. What we do know is that Franco finally stayed healthy in 2025-and that alone was a big step forward.
The right-hander climbed all the way to Triple-A Louisville last year, flashing a fastball that can touch the upper 90s and a slider that misses bats. The key this spring will be showing he can round out his arsenal. If Franco can sharpen his changeup and, more importantly, tighten his command, he could leapfrog some of the more well-known names in the fifth starter race.
He’s a long shot to break camp in the rotation, but injuries and performance fluctuations happen. Franco’s stuff is good enough to put him on the radar as a next-man-up candidate. If he impresses in Arizona, he could be the kind of arm that forces the Reds to keep him close.
Leo Balcazar: Glove-First Shortstop with a Rising Bat
While Edwin Arroyo heads off to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, a golden opportunity opens up for Leo Balcazar. The 21-year-old shortstop, ranked No. 22 in the Reds’ system, is known for his smooth glove and steady hands. But it’s his offensive development that could make things interesting this spring.
Balcazar made real strides at the plate in 2025, cutting his strikeout rate dramatically-from 24.4% in 2024 to just 13.4% last season. That kind of plate discipline, especially for a young middle infielder, is a promising sign. He also flashed some pop, hitting nine of his 12 home runs in High-A Daytona and posting a .413 slugging percentage there.
He’s not a slugger, and that’s okay. What Balcazar brings to the table is contact, consistency, and defensive versatility-traits that could carve him a path to a utility role down the line. If he makes the most of his extra reps this spring, he could accelerate his timeline and insert himself into the Reds’ infield depth chart sooner than expected.
Final Word
Spring training is often about the known quantities-established stars tuning up, top prospects making their case. But every year, a few under-the-radar names make noise and shift the narrative.
For the Reds, Collier, Franco, and Balcazar each bring something different to the table. Whether it’s Collier’s power potential, Franco’s electric arm, or Balcazar’s all-around polish, all three have a chance to make a lasting impression in Goodyear.
Keep an eye on this trio. They may not be the headliners-yet-but they’re knocking on the door.