With the team falling out of first place after losing five of six, the Cincinnati Reds are going to promote one of their very best prospects in the hopes of boosting an offense that has been struggling in a major way lately.
The 2023 MLB season has featured several major storylines. The dominance of the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays. The disappointing play of the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, and Shohei Ohtani’s future will get a lot of attention in the coming weeks. However, few stories have been as fascinating as the rise of the Cincinnati Reds.
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The team has been shockingly good at times this season and even ran off a record-tying 12-game win streak earlier this season. Heading into the All-Star break they sat atop the National League Central. However, things have quickly changed in the last few days and now they have fallen from the top spot after losing five of six to the team previously behind them in the MLB standings, the Milwaukee Brewers.
What has been most worrisome about their recent slide is the offense that was top-10 caliber for much of the season has hit a serious slump and only scored three runs during their current four-game losing streak.
While there is still time to add some impact pieces before the MLB trade deadline, the organization believes they have immediate help in their farm system and will promote a top prospect this week to bolster their batting order.
Cincinnati Reds promote fifth-ranked prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand
On Sunday night, Fansided MLB insider Robert Murray reported that “Christian Encarnacion-Strand is being called up by the Cincinnati Reds.” The 23-year-old was acquired from the Minnesota Twins last season as part of the Tyler Mahle trade.
Reds fans likely are familiar with Encarnacion-Strand’s upside after he had a great Spring Training and led the team in hits (15), home runs (four), RBI (13), and OPS (1.748). He missed part of the season in Triple-A due to a back injury, but he has been on an absolute tear since he returned. He has a slash line of 331/.405/.637, has hit 20 home runs, and knocked in 62 RBI in 67 games this season.
The player that is ranked fifth in the Cincinnati Reds farm system will likely play both corner position and DH on the big league roster. He will be the fourth major prospect promoted this season following strong seasons from Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Andrew Abbott.