Cincinnati Reds Acquire Former Top Prospect Outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds have recently claimed former top prospect Peyton Burdick off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.

Originally selected by the Marlins in the 2019 draft, Burdick's blend of power, speed, and defensive skills has caught the Reds' attention, despite his challenges transitioning to the Major Leagues.

With notable struggles including a high strikeout rate and inconsistent batting averages, the Reds still see significant potential in Burdick, particularly as they currently lack center fielder TJ Friedl due to injury.

Peyton Burdick didn't just want to make a diving stop. He wanted to throw out a guy from his knees.#RisingTide pic.twitter.com/Tz9oLn9Ywm
— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) April 19, 2024

Over his two-year career, the 27-year-old holds a .200/.281/.368 triple-slash line, with five home runs, 13 RBI, two stolen bases, and 12 runs scored across 46 games played.

Burdick's arrival in Cincinnati offers him a fresh start and a chance to revive his career, which once seemed very promising during his time in the minors, especially at the Double-A level.

Peyton Burdick, who's from Batavia, Ohio, has played in 46 big league games. He's a right-handed hitter who posted a .775 OPS in Triple-A last year and a .604 OPS in the big leagues. https://t.co/6opPGs8MUN
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 24, 2024

Burdick spent a good chunk of last season at the Triple-A level, and showcased some power, posting a poor .219/.327/.448 triple-slash line, with 24 home runs, 74 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 63 runs scored across 114 games played.

His tenure with the Marlins and a brief stint with the Orioles showcased glimpses of his capabilities, but consistency at the top level has eluded him. The Reds are optimistic that a change of scenery and a new team environment will help unlock Burdick's latent talent and allow him to make a meaningful impact on their roster.

The Reds are actively seeking to bolster their bench production and outfield depth, and Burdick's skill set fits well within this strategy. His potential to contribute both offensively and defensively adds an intriguing element to the team’s lineup strategy. Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports