Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: RHP Daniel Wright

Third baseman Gavin LaValley is next on our list of the Cincinnati Reds‘ prospects is right-hander Daniel Wright.

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Name: Daniel Wright

Age: 24

Position: RHP

Acquired: 10th-round selection in 2013 amateur draft

Highest Level: High-A Bakersfield Blaze

2014 Statistics: 14-7, 3.54 ERA, 1.070 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 1.3 W/9

Overview:

Coming out of Arkansas State University in the 10th round of the 2013 amateur draft, Wright landed in the Billings bullpen for his first professional rodeo. Though he posted a bloated 5.91 ERA that summer, his control was outstanding, leading to 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings against only 1.1 walks. During his stint with the Mustangs, Wright showed a good change-up and worked to develop his curveball.

For his efforts in the Rookie League, Wright was promoted to Single-A Dayton in 2014 and converted to a starter.

He took to the new role like a Dragon to fire, posting a 2.06 ERA in 43.2 innings, which earned him another bump up the ladder to High-A Bakersfield.

Unlike teammate Ismael Guillon, who followed a similar path in 2014, Wright was not overpowered by the offensive explosion that is the California League. Although he allowed 15 home runs in 108.2 innings, he also struck out 99 batters while walking just 15, leaving him with a respectable 4.14 ERA and 1.104 WHIP.

After that solid first season in the pros, Wright should start the 2015 campaign at Double-A Pensacola. He will be 24 year old shortly after Opening Day, so he is not super-young. Don’t be surprised if he is in Triple-A by the end of the season and in Major League camp next spring, assuming his progress continues.

With a line of pitching prospects in front of him, Wright’s future may yet lie in the bullpen, or with another organization, but early returns indicate he’ll be a Major Leaguer someday.

Riverfront ETA: 2017 (but maybe not with the Reds)

Next: Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: LHP Ismael Guillon

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