The Cincinnati Reds are in a deep slump, and hot-hitting prospect Edwin Arroyo could be the spark they need. Just days ago, the Reds led their division with a 20-11 record, but a disastrous stretch has dropped them to the bottom of the NL Central, losers of eight of their last ten. Their offense has cratered, ranking last in batting average and near the bottom in runs, despite playing in a hitter-friendly park.
Now is the perfect time for a promotion, and Triple-A phenom Edwin Arroyo is making a strong case. Over the weekend, he went 11-for-19 with three homers and nine RBIs for the Louisville Bats, posting a .338 average with seven homers, 19 extra-base hits, and five steals this season. The 22-year-old has played second, third, and short this year, and the Reds are getting minimal production at those positions from Matt McLain (.204/.315/.310) and Ke’Bryan Hayes (.139/.194/.228). Arroyo, acquired in the Luis Castillo trade four years ago, has regained prospect momentum with improved contact and on-base skills. If he gets the call, he could make an immediate fantasy impact.
Sam Antonacci is also worth a look. The White Sox utility man, a WBC standout for Team Italy, has become a sneaky fantasy asset. With multi-position eligibility (2B/3B/OF) and a leadoff role in six of Chicago’s last seven games, he’s slashed .299/.445/.419 in the minors with more walks than strikeouts and 60 stolen bases in 153 career games. His plate discipline and speed make him a solid stash for fantasy managers needing a multi-tool.
Meanwhile, left-handed starter Kade Anderson has dominated in his first 30 professional innings, already establishing himself as one of the top minor-league pitching prospects. His performance suggests he may soon outgrow his current level.
For fantasy baseball managers, these three names—Arroyo, Antonacci, and Anderson—offer high-upside stashes as the season progresses.