Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect Review: Cody Reed

The Arizona Diamondbacks have pitching prospects that are just about ready to make their mark in the Major Leagues. Archie Bradley got a brief taste of life with the D-backs last year with Aaron Blair set to join the club out of Spring Training. Braden Shipley may not be too far behind. However, the D-backs do have some pitchers at the lower end of the Minor League system that offer some promise. One of those pitchers is left-hander Cody Reed.

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How he came to the organization: The 19-year old Reed was selected in the second round of the 2014 Draft from Ardmore High School in Ardmore, AL. He was named”Mr. Baseball” by the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association following his Senior year and also the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He won ten games in 2014 hurling a perfect game and five no-hitters, allowing only six earned runs all season. Reed struck out 226 batters in 92 innings while opponents hit only .087 off him as he gave up only 28 hits. He also hit .494 with six home runs and 33RBI’s. The 6-foot-3, 245 pound youngster originally signed a letter to attend Vanderbilt but backed out when he agreed to a contract with the Diamondbacks.

Minor League career: Reed began his professional career after his graduation with ten appearances, seven starts, for the Rookie League D-backs. He struck out 26 batters in 20 1/3 innings, giving up five earned runs on 17 hits. He was moved up to Missoula of the Pioneer League where he made four starts to close out 2014. He gave up three earned runs in 12 innings while walking seven and striking out 14. Reed spent all of 2015 with the Hillsboro Hops and helped lead them to the Northwest League Championship. He pitched 63 1/3 innings over 15 appearances, 14 of them starts, striking out 72 batters. The lefty gave up 23 earned runs on 51 hits and 21 walks. Opponents hit only .219 off him.

Where he will be in 2016: Expect the D-backs to be extra cautious with Reed. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him remain in A ball for the entire 2016 campaign. More than likely, he will end up with the Visalia Rawhide of the California League, the highest level of Single A. He will be facing hitters than can be three and four years older than him. MLB.com has Reed reaching the Majors by 2018 and barring any injury he seems on track to meet that goal.

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