Amidst a rash of injuries, the Reds will give one of their best power-hitting prospects his first look at the MLB level. Rece Hinds, drafted in 2019, will get his first turn with the Reds after an up-and-down Minor League career, one that’s included injuries and strikeouts.
A Look at Hinds
The 2019 MLB Draft was a productive one for the Reds. Cincinnati netted two key pitchers: Nick Lodolo, who’s been very effective when healthy, and Graham Ashcraft. Both have logged significant time at the MLB level. 2019 second-round pick Rece Hinds will get his first look after a lengthy stint in the Minors.
Hinds was the 42nd-best prospect in that year’s draft per MLB.com. Scouting reports noted he showed plus power in the summer of 2018. And, there was an expectation he could be a regular third baseman at the big league level. However, concern over his ability to pick up breaking balls and whiffs was there.
The 23-year-old didn’t stick at third. He spent 2019 and 2021 at the hot corner before moving to right field. Reports, though, were right about his power. After injury-riddled seasons in 2021 and 2022, Hinds blasted 23 home runs and posted a .536 SLG with Chattanooga (AA), which pushed his prospect stock back.
This season with Louisville (AAA), Hinds batted .216/.290/.409 with 12 stolen bases, 13 home runs, and 29 extra-base hits. He also has six assists in right field this season.
Hinds’ plus bat speed was on full display this season, as the 23-year-old can quickly turn on heat. Strikeouts, however, will be what defines whether Hinds can be a regular at the MLB level. Or, whether he’ll have a similar career path to Aristides Aquino, a former Reds slugger with plus pop but major strikeout troubles.
Just this season alone, Hinds struck out 126 times over 328 PA (38.4% K%). And, he owns the most whiffs in Triple-A (142) this season on breaking balls (per Statcast) — and it’s not particularly close. The player with the second-most is Astros prospect Shay Whitcomb with 113. He can pick up cement mixers that sit in the middle of the zone but he’ll need to show a real adjustment against breaking balls moving forward.
The Reds recalled Rece Hinds amidst a flurry of moves. Cincinnati placed Stuart Fairchild on the IL on July 8. Hinds will join newcomer Austin Slater as options for the Reds outfield.
Analysis
Hinds joined a Reds outfield that included Spencer Steer, Will Benson, and Blake Dunn, and soon-to-be-added outfielder Austin Slater. As mentioned previously, Stu Fairchild is on the IL, as is TJ Friedl and Nick Martini. Jake Fraley is on family medical leave.
Friedl was cleared on the 8th to participate in advanced baseball activities, and it would be a boon if Cincinnati could get him back soon. But for now, the Reds will work with what they have, including Hinds, who will make his MLB debut five years after being drafted.
It’s not a deep outfield on paper, leaving Hinds with an opportunity to get time, provided he sticks once Fraley and Slater are activated. But, he’ll need to work on staying back and avoiding breaking balls out of the zone.
Fantasy Outlook
Hinds will get looks in the Reds outfield thanks to injuries but fantasy owners shouldn’t run to pick up the 23-year-old. Yes, he’s got plus power and in Cincinnati, there’s an upside with someone like Hinds. But, the swing-and-miss troubles are too much to ignore.
Hinds is realistically an option in NL-only leagues at this point.