After going 31-29 in the shortened 2020 season, the Cincinnati Reds made it into the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Unfortunately, after an early exit, the team has yet to find its way back to the penultimate dance. Following a 77-85 season in 2024, the Reds were aggressive in the offseason, making many key moves, including trading for Brady Singer and hiring Terry Francona as their new manager. The team also parted ways with reliever Fernando Cruz for Jose Trevino in a deal with the New York Yankees.
Currently sitting at 81-78, the Reds are just outside looking in, one game behind the New York Mets for the final Wild Card slot. With three games remaining against the NL-leading Milwaukee Brewers, it may prove tough to get into the playoffs. In the case that the team misses out, they will look ahead to their farm system to improve their roster. One possibility for this is infielder Cam Collier.
2022 Draftee Cam Collier Standing Out
After being the 18th overall pick in the 2022 draft at only 17 years old, Cam Collier has produced. In his first season at Rookie ball, Collier slashed .370/.514/.630 in nine games. Then, in his first full season, he hit .246 with a .705 OPS in 111 games with the Low-A Daytona Tortugas. Collier managed to draw 57 walks while hitting 29 extra-base hits at the level. This success then saw him start the 2024 season in High-A. At that level, Collier slashed .248/.355/.443 with 42 XBH in 119 games. This was accompanied by 66 walks and 74 RBI for the now 19-year-old.
Thus far in 2025, Collier has continued his success across multiple levels. Starting the year injured with a UCL injury in his thumb and requiring surgery, he missed the first months of the year. Coming back at High-A, Collier hit .293 with a .785 OPS before the Reds saw fit to promote him. Now at Double-A, Collier has slashed .263/.377/.347 with 18 XBH in 74 games. While his power numbers are down this year, his plate discipline has not gone away. Boasting a career .367 OBP and a 16% walk rate, he has shown the ability to draw walks at any level he plays at.
A career night for Cam Collier
MLB’s No. 95 prospect (@Reds) goes 5-for-5 and racks up SIX RBIs for the Double-A @ChattLookouts. pic.twitter.com/WGurvAC7kg
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 13, 2025
What Does Collier’s Future Look Like?
While he was initially drafted as a third baseman, due to his frame and below-average sprint speed, he could move across the diamond to first base. With former top prospect Noelvi Marte currently manning the hot corner, it could allow for Collier to shift across at the major league level. Since he is still only at Double-A, the Reds would still like to see him develop his bat more, as he has had spells of no power. He has shown flashes of it with his 20 home runs in 2024, but has yet to carry that over. If Collier does this, he could be a call-up later in the season in 2026 to help the Reds close out their season. With no definitive answer at first base, it allows for Cam Collier to slide into that position and get everyday experience for the team.
Main Photo Credit: © Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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