Cody Reed LHP
Thought to be a high-ceiling lefty ever since the Royals drafted him out of the junior college ranks in 2013, Reed did as much, if not more, than any left-handed pitching prospect to take a step toward fulfilling that potential during an eventful 2015 season. It was a year that saw him reach Double-A for the first time and get dealt to the Reds as part of the Johnny Cueto Deadline trade.
Reed is now thought of as one of the best lefty prospects in the game, one who could pitch at or near the top of a rotation one day. He has two plus pitches in his fastball and slider. Reed will throw the heater, with sink and cut, in the 91-94 range typically, and he can reach back for 96-97 mph at times. His hard wipeout slider is a true out pitch. Reed's changeup might be behind the other two, but it has improved tremendously and will be at least a solid average offering when all is said and done.
Reed has improved his command and control considerably as well, a big reason for his jump on prospect radars everywhere. Once a long-term project, he's now not too far away from impacting a big league rotation.
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