The Cincinnati Reds are loaded with young talent, and their farm system may be far more impressive than many give it credit for.
The organization’s prospects boast eye-catching skills and exciting potential. Hidden among the rising stars is a player who once stood out just as much—and still has plenty of power left in his bat, if the Reds are willing to take notice.
Rece Hinds is quietly putting together one of the best offensive campaigns in the system. Yet, the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t been able to earn his way back to the big-league roster. If the Reds hesitate much longer, they risk falling into the same trap that’s already stalled other talented hitters.
The numbers speak for themselves: as of early September, Hinds is batting .303/.364/.578 with 23 home runs and 80 RBI for Triple-A Louisville. His home run total is higher than any player currently on the Reds’ major league squad this season.
The Reds are running out of time to figure out what they have in Rece Hinds
Let’s say it again: Rece Hinds, still stuck in the minors, has more home runs than anyone on the Reds’ active roster. His power isn’t new either—over six minor-league seasons, he’s launched 84 homers and driven in 288 runs. So why is he still waiting?
Yes, the strikeouts are an issue. Hinds owns a 27.7% K-rate this year, and in 39 career MLB games between 2024–25 he hit just .191 with 37 strikeouts. But are the Reds holding him to a standard they don’t apply elsewhere?
This is the same club that’s already cooled on Will Benson, another toolsy outfielder with swing-and-miss tendencies. Benson has shown glimpses of plate discipline and defensive value, yet he’s been shuffled between Triple-A and the bench all season. They’ve also moved on from Jake Fraley, a fan favorite who once posted an OPS north of .800 in 2022.
If the front office has moved past two lefty outfielders with power potential, shouldn’t that create an opening for Hinds?
He’s no longer the 21-year-old upside play. At 25, he’s at the point where “potential” risks becoming “missed opportunity.” But he’s also stronger, steadier, and more refined than before, with adjustments that are showing up in his production.
The Reds don’t have much to lose and plenty of power to gain. In a league where pitching rules and home runs still matter, there’s a clear role for Hinds—especially on a roster that ranks just 21st in slugging.
He doesn’t need to be flawless. The Reds just need to find out if his thunderous bat can play in the majors before they let another difference-maker slip away.
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