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3 rising stars who could lift Reds back into postseason

Matt McLain. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3 rising stars who could lift Cincinnati Reds back into postseason

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 2/19/24

With spring training starting up, each team is filled with hope for a run at a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After barely missing out on the postseason in 2023, the Cincinnati Reds and their young core will look to make their second postseason appearance since 2014.

Here are three rising stars who will look to make an impact for the Reds in 2024.

Matt McLain, second base

2023 MLB stats: .290/.357/.507, 43 extra-base hits, 50 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 89 games played

Limited to 89 games in his rookie year last season, Reds second baseman Matt McLain proved he was a building block for the future after putting up 43 extra-base hits and stealing 14 bases.

Called up to the Reds on May 15, the 24-year-old had slashed .340/.467/.688 with 25 extra-base hits and 40 RBI in 40 games with the Reds Triple-A affiliate.

Rookie Matt McLain had a 3.7 WAR in 89 games in 2023.

The list of players who recently accumulated a WAR of 3.5+ in 90 or less games is quite impressive.#MLB ⎸ #Reds pic.twitter.com/adDqLBvhE8
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) October 4, 2023

Playing in a ballpark built to score runs, McLain and rookie teammate shortstop Elly De La Cruz provided the spark that almost led to a Reds playoff appearance last year.

The 2021 first-round draft pick is primed to have a monster season at second base. McLain will be a household name before the 2024 season ends and has a bright future ahead of him.

Andrew Abbott, pitcher

2023 MLB stats: 8-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 109.1 innings pitched

Another member of the players making his MLB debut in 2023, pitcher Andrew Abbott provided the Reds with a much-needed presence on the mound after injuries and underperformance plagued the club.

Allowing three runs or less in 17 of his 21 starts, the 24-year-old left-hander was the best pitcher on the Reds team, although he seemed to fade towards the end of the season.

Quite the pitch sequence from @andrewabbott33... pic.twitter.com/AoKJmGrxd6
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 10, 2023

Joining a rotation that has multiple first-round picks including 2017 second-overall pick Hunter Greene and 2019 seventh-overall pick pitcher Nick Lodolo, Abbott will look to continue to give the Reds reliable innings in 2024.

If he can cut down on his walks allowed, Abbott could be one of the best pitchers in the National League Central for years to come in Cincinnati.

Noelvi Marte, shortstop

2023 MLB stats: .316/.366/.456, three home runs, 15 RBI and six stolen bases in 35 games played

Yet another Reds prospect to make their MLB debut in 2023, shortstop Noelvi Marte was explosive in his small sample of play.

With 10 extra-base hits and 15 RBI in 35 games played for the Reds, Marte showed the flashes of brilliance that made him the main return piece of the trade that sent pitcher Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

Congrats to Noelvi Marte on his first big league homer! pic.twitter.com/qrYiNOPA8i
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) September 6, 2023

Marte slashed .279/.358/.454 with 35 extra-base hits and 45 RBI in 92 games across three minor-league levels in 2023 before his call to the majors.

After injuring his hamstring during winter ball, the Reds will ease Marte through spring training and won't rush the 22-year-old. But once he can play, they will need to find a spot in their crowded lineup for his bat.

While he will be given the chance to break camp with the big-league club, Marte will likely have to open the season in the minors due to the depth the Reds currently have in the infield.

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