The Reds are set to promote pitching prospect Rhett Lowder, as reported by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. The young right-hander will be making his major league debut for Cincinnati on Friday. To make room for Lowder, the club will need to open spots on both the active and 40-man rosters.
At the age of 22, Lowder was a standout player during his college years at Wake Forest. His impressive final season with the Demon Deacons saw him posting strong numbers, earning him a high draft rank in 2023. The Reds selected him as the seventh overall pick and he signed with a $5.7MM bonus.
After starting in High-A in 2024, Lowder quickly moved up the ranks to Double-A and then Triple-A, showcasing his talent along the way. Despite injuries affecting the Reds’ pitching staff, Lowder’s performance has earned him a chance in the major leagues.
As one of the top prospects in baseball, the Reds have a valuable asset in Lowder. His potential debut will keep his rookie status intact for the upcoming seasons, allowing the team to potentially benefit from the prospect promotion incentive.
Although the Reds may not have a strong chance of making the playoffs this year, the promotion of Lowder could provide a glimpse into the promising future of the team’s pitching rotation. With talented young arms like Lowder, Greene, Abbott, and Lodolo, the Reds have a bright outlook for the years ahead.
By keeping the player in line for the PPI incentive, the Reds can maximize their benefits from promoting Lowder early in the season. Despite challenges faced by injuries and a tough schedule, the club remains optimistic about the potential contributions of their young prospects moving forward.
