Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: LHP Amir Garrett

Next up on our list of the Cincinnati Reds‘ top prospects is left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett.

More from Cincinnati Reds

Name: Amir Garrett

Age: 23

Position: LHP

Acquired: Selected in 22nd round of 2011 amateur draft

Highest Level: Single-A Dayton Dragons

2014 Statistics (minors): 7-8, 3.64 ERA, 27 GS, 2 CG, 1.245 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 3.4 BB/9

Overview:

After a so-so showing with the Rookie League Billings Mustangs in 2013, left-hander Amir Garrett finished the season with a call-up to Single-A Dayton. His eight games with the Dragons were a major struggle, as he posted nearly identical strikeout and walk totals and watched his ERA settle in at an unsightly 6.88. Not surprisingly, Garrett was back in Dayton to start 2014, and that’s where he would spend the entire season.

The good news is that Garrett’s go-round was much more successful than his first sting by the Miami River. In 27 starts last season, Garrett pitched 133 innings and bumped his strikeout rate to 8.6 per nine innings while reining in his walks a bit to 3.4 per nine. In the process he posted two complete games to cobble together a 7-8 record to go along with his 3.64 ERA and 1.245 WHIP.

While he did not overwhelm his opposition in Single-A, Garrett pitched well enough at age 22 to get the nod for a promotion to at least high Class-A ball for 2015. Look for him to start this season with the Reds’ new Florida State League affiliate, the Daytona Tortugas. If he pitches well in the sunshine, it’s conceivable we could see him with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos before the summer is over.

Though Garrett consistently ranks among the Reds’ top prospects, he faces a lot of competition from other young arms like Robert Stephenson and Anthony DeSclafani, so he needs to make a strong move soon.

Riverfront ETA: 2018

Next: Cincinnati Reds Prospect Profile: OF Phil Ervin

More from Riverfront Ball

Home/Cincinnati Reds