Some Reds need strong finishes to secure future in Cincinnati

Yesterday we checked in on the top 10 prospects in the Cincinnati Reds system.

Today we look at which players have the most to prove between now and the end of the season:

Jose Peraza entered the season with high expectations, but the middle infielder has the worst WAR (Wins Above Replacement, an overall comparison to how the average player would perform in his place) on the team among batters according to Baseball-Reference.

He's already been benched in favor of Scooter Gennett, and the team's No. 8 prospect is Shed Long, a second baseman at Triple-A Louisville…

RELATED: How are the Reds top 10 prospects doing recently?

There is no doubt third baseman Eugenio Suarez belongs in the major leagues, but Nick Senzel continues his hard charge through the minors. He is going to need a place to play eventually.

Zack Cozart’s likely exit in the offseason would mean someone has to take over at shortstop full time, where Suarez and Peraza both have experience.

The good news for Suarez? He has a higher WAR than any of the team’s outfielders (See below)…

With Adam Duvall posting a second strong season in The Show, could Scott Schebler get "Wally Pipped" by Jesse Winker? The latter is going to get a long look the rest of the way and could create logjam in the outfield next spring. Schebler, who is on the disabled list, has a solid first full (more or less) season to stand on even if he doesn't get much playing time the rest of the way…

Robert Stephenson didn't make the starting rotation out of spring training and had to scuffle through being the team's long man and another stint in Triple-A.

The 2011 first-round pick is in the rotation now and one would guess that, given his pedigree, a strong finish to the year would help him go into next spring with a leg up over the many players who figure to compete for starting spots.

Sal Romano had a strong spring training and made one start in April for the Reds before going on the disabled list in Triple-A.

Like Stephenson is back in the rotation and can use August and September to pad his resume, helping him stay ahead of the likes of Cody Reed and Rookie Davis, not to mention fast-rising Tyler Mahle.

About the Author