Shortstop Edwin Arroyo has long been viewed as one of the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospects, once landing in the Top 70 on prospect rankings from MLB, Baseball America, and Baseball Prospectus. However, a shoulder injury last year stalled his development, allowing other rising talents to pass him on the organizational depth chart.
Now, Arroyo appears to be regaining his form — just in time for the trade deadline. In July, he’s slashing .296/.354/.451 with nine extra-base hits (eight doubles and one home run), showing signs that his power may be returning after missing all of 2024 due to labrum surgery. That resurgence could boost his appeal as a trade chip, especially since he previously flashed 20-20 potential with double-digit home runs in his first two full seasons.
If not for the injury, Arroyo might’ve already made his big-league debut, potentially filling in at second base during Matt McLain’s struggles earlier this season. Instead, he’s been playing at Double-A Chattanooga while players like Tyson Lewis and Sammy Stafura have climbed prospect rankings ahead of him — with Lewis even leapfrogging Arroyo on MLB.com’s latest list.
Despite that, Arroyo still holds considerable value. He’s a smooth defender capable of sticking at shortstop in the majors, and while he’s stolen just seven bases this year, he still brings game-changing speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths. At only 21 years old, he remains a promising piece for any club looking to build for the future.
For Cincinnati to acquire the major-league help they need, Arroyo would likely need to be included in a package deal, possibly alongside a pitching prospect. Fortunately, the Reds are deep in both middle infielders and young arms. If they want to hold onto top talents like Cam Collier and Sal Stewart but still pursue a veteran like Eugenio Suárez (as The Athletic suggested), Arroyo might be the key to making that deal happen.
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