The Cincinnati Reds entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a promising 2023 campaign, but things haven’t gone their way so far. While some players have underperformed, there have been a few bright spots, including pitcher Carson Spiers.
Spiers, who joined the active roster in mid-May, has been a pleasant surprise for the struggling Reds. The 26-year-old rookie is 4-4 on the year with a 4.55 ERA in 65.1 innings, serving as both a starter and long reliever at times. He has provided much-needed flexibility within the pitching staff.
Prior to his last two starts in August, Spiers was 4-2 with an impressive 3.45 ERA over 52 innings pitched. A year ago, he made his MLB debut after pitching well at Double-A, but his long-term future has always been uncertain. Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo have cemented themselves as quality MLB pitchers, while Graham Ashcraft and Brandon Williamson have shown flashes of potential to be solid starters.
However, Spiers’ valiant performance this season is unlikely to be enough to stave off top Reds prospects Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns. Lowder, the organization’s No. 1 prospect, is currently dominating at Double-A and is now already knocking on the door of the major leagues. The 2023 first-rounder has allowed just one run over his last four starts while striking out 19 batters. He is four years younger than Spiers with limitless upside.
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