Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: OF Aristides Aquino

Next up on our list of the Cincinnati Reds‘ top prospects is outfielder Aristides Aquino.

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Name: Aristides Aquino

Age: 21

Position: OF

Acquired: Signed as amateur free agent in 2011

Highest Level: Rookie Level Billings Mustangs

2014 Statistics (minors): 16 HR, 64 RBI, 21 SB, 5 CS, .292 BA, .342 OBP, .577 SLG

Overview:

The Reds signed Aristides Aquino as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2011 with the hope that the teenager’s raw tools would develop into legitimate Major League skills. After struggling at the plate in his first two seasons, Aquino began to show that he might fulfill the Reds’ lofty expectations late in the 2013 season. Last year, stationed with the Rookie level Billings Mustangs, Aquino broke out.

Gathering 307 plate appearances in 71 games with the Mustangs, Aquino hit 16 home runs with 64 RBI and 21 stolen bases, while slashing a healthy .292/.342/.577. In the process, he finished near the top of the Pioneer League in most offensive categories. His second-place finish in homers was particularly encouraging since he more than doubled his total from 2013.

In the field, Aquino can play all three outfield positions, though he did commit five errors in 2014 after bumbling seven balls in 2013. He was stationed in right for most of 2014 and managed to record 13 assists, demonstrating a strong arm that should continue to improve.

After dominating Pioneer pitching for most of the year, Aquino is in Spring Training this season with an eye toward moving up. The Dayton Dragons are likely his next stop, with the Bakersfield Blaze a potential destination later in the season.

If Aquino continues to improve and does land in Bakersfield, it could be a real treat to watch him smash California league hurlers.

Riverfront ETA: 2019

Next: Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: OF Phil Ervin

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