Community Prospect Rankings: #17 Prospect in the Cincinnati Reds System
Aaron Watson has yet to pitch professionally, but his potential and physical stature caught the eye of the Cincinnati Reds, who drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Despite not having thrown a competitive pitch, he's ranked #17 in the Community Prospect Rankings.
The voting is now open for the final spots, with #17 up for grabs! You can vote via the Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkSgckc0HoRS89ip8XApWh-G1F9U_jFOXIMTwUXWPMLXfohA/viewform?usp=header) or find it embedded at the bottom of the page.
Here's the current ranking:
- Sal Stewart
- Alfredo Duno
- Rhett Lowder
- Hector Rodriguez
- Edwin Arroyo
- Cam Collier
- Steele Hall
- Tyson Lewis
- Chase Petty
- Arnaldo Lantigua
- Jose Franco
- Zach Maxwell
- Leo Balcazar
- Adolfo Sanchez
- Carlos Jorge
- Aaron Watson
The #17 spot is hotly contested by several talented players. Vote now!
Liberts Aponte, SS (18 years old)
- 2025 stats: .247/.368/.461 with 7 HR, 9 SB in 193 PA for DSL Rojos (Dominican Summer League)
- Pros: Improved strike zone awareness, plus defender at short with excellent range and arm.
- Cons: Still not a potential plus hitter, but early returns are better than scouting reports; needs physical maturation.
The Reds signed Aponte for $1.9 million, the largest contract in that international signing window. MLB Pipeline ranked him #18, praising his defense and speed.
Luke Holman, RHP (23 years old)
- 2025 stats: ER, 2 H, 10 K, 4 BB in 9.0 IP with Daytona Tortugas (Class-A Florida State League)
- Pros: Two plus breaking pitches (slider, curve).
- Cons: Fastball lacks velocity, sitting 91-94 mph.
Holman, Cincinnati's 2nd round pick in 2024, missed the rest of the year due to an elbow issue and Tommy John surgery. He profiles as a back-end starter.
Mason Morris, RHP (22 years old)
- 2025 stats: 9.00 ERA, 7/1 K/BB in 4.0 IP with Class-A Daytona Tortugas; 3.29 ERA, 78/31 K/BB in 54.2 IP with University of Mississippi
- Pros: Fastball can touch 100 mph; four-pitch mix.
- Cons: Lack of experience.
Morris, primarily a corner infielder, became a full-time pitcher in 2023. The Reds are evaluating his potential as a starting pitcher.
Julian Aguiar, RHP (25 years old)
- 2025 stats: Did not pitch.
- Pros: Four-seam fastball flirting with 100 mph; five-pitch pitcher with potential plus change-up.
- Cons: Missed 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery; struggled in MLB debut in 2024.
Aguiar, a 12th round pick, rose through the ranks but missed 2025 due to surgery. He has plus potential with three pitches and a passable fourth.
Mason Neville, OF (22 years old)
- 2025 stats: .247/.333/.442 with 1 HR, 2 SB in 90 PA with Class-A Daytona Tortugas; .290/.429/.724 with 26 HR, 9 SB in 280 PA with University of Oregon
- Pros: 60-grade power, potential plus arm and speed; chance to stick in CF or RF.
- Cons: High swing-and-miss rate.
The Reds drafted Neville in the 18th round, but he transferred to Oregon. He's a steal with big tools and potential.
Sheng-En Lin, RHP (20 years old)
- 2025 stats: 3.06 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 61/15 K/BB in 47.0 IP split between ACL Reds and Class-A Daytona Tortugas; .172/.348/.310 with 2 HR in 113 PA with ACL Reds.
- Pros: Former two-way player with athleticism; fastball up to 97 mph; excellent command.
- Cons: Building up innings; dropping hitting focus.
Lin, signed for $1.2 million, spent seasons in Arizona, attempting both hitting and pitching. He's now focusing on pitching and has shown excellent command.
Ricky Cabrera, 3B (21 years old)
- 2025 stats: .187/.276/.240 with 0 HR, 0 SB in 89 PA with High-A Dayton Dragons.
- Pros: Above-average power, speed, and hit tool; good arm for 3B.
- Cons: Lost 2025 season due to a knee injury.
Cabrera, a $2.7 million signee, struggled in 2025 due to a knee injury. He's a former shortstop, now likely a 3B or 2B.
Tyler Callihan, IF/OF (26 years old)
- 2025 stats: .303/.410/.528 with 4 HR, 6 SB in 106 PA with AAA Louisville Bats; 1 for 6 with an RBI in 4 G with Cincinnati Reds.
- Pros: Plus bat speed; advanced approach and walk ability.
- Cons: Poor defense; injury history.
Callihan, drafted as a bat-first player, has struggled with injuries since 2019. His offensive potential is promising if he stays healthy.
