The Cincinnati Reds will have to wait a little longer to see one of their top young talents in action, as highly touted prospect Cam Collier is set to miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. The 19-year-old third baseman sustained the injury during spring training, leading to the procedure that will keep him sidelined for the early portion of the season.
Collier, the Reds’ first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has been making waves in the organization with his advanced hitting ability and strong defensive presence at third base. Last season, he showcased his potential in the minor leagues, slashing .246/.349/.397 with six home runs and 68 RBIs in 111 games. While those numbers reflect the adjustments of a young player facing professional pitching, scouts remain high on his development and long-term impact.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Collier, who was hoping to build on his progress and possibly accelerate his path to the big leagues in 2024. The Reds have a promising young core featuring the likes of Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte, and Collier is viewed as a key piece of their future infield plans.
Despite the setback, Reds officials remain optimistic about Collier’s recovery, emphasizing that the procedure was successful and that he is expected to make a full return within the projected timeframe. If all goes well, he could resume baseball activities by midseason and continue his development toward an eventual major league debut.
For now, Collier will focus on rehabilitation, with the Reds ensuring he takes a cautious approach to avoid any lingering issues. While his absence is a temporary blow to the organization’s prospect depth, the team remains excited about his potential and expects him to return stronger as he continues his climb through the Reds’ system.
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