Stuart Fairchild

Fairchild, the 38th overall pick by the Reds in the 2017 first-year player draft, has displayed strong on-base skills during his time in the minor leagues. At age 23, Fairchild drew 44 walks in 460 PA between High-A and Double-A, leading to a .353 combined OBP in 2019. Those skills along with decent speed, average-to-plus defense in center field and a plus arm point to a future in the major leagues. However, the fact the Reds traded Fairchild last summer along with Josh VanMeter in exchange for a month of Archie Bradley's services tells you all you really need to know. He does not profile as a long-term, big-league regular. Fairchild was added to the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster in November and figures to debut at some point in 2021.

Fairchild hit .360 during his final season at Wake Forest but faced questions about his hit tool entering the 2017 first-year player draft. The Reds grabbed Fairchild in the second round, and while he did little to alleviate concerns about his hitting in his first year with a full-season affiliate, he did finally answer some questions in 2019. Fairchild trimmed his strikeout rate with High-A Daytona from 26% to 21.4%, and that number fell all the way to 12.4% after his move up to Double-A Chattanooga in June (179 plate appearances). He also lifted his walk rate and cracked double-digit homers for the first time as a pro. It seems Fairchild can handle himself just fine with a wood bat, though whether he will hit enough to be a major-league starter in left field remains in question. As a righty, his power should play up in Great American Ball Park. He will likely split 2020 between Double-A and Triple-A.