One September call-up to watch for each MLB team

Cincinnati Reds: Tyler Stephenson

The 2019 season has certainly been a step in the right direction for the rebuilding Cincinnati Reds, who now look like the next team up in the NL Central to challenge St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago, with Pittsburgh sliding back to the bottom. It has surprisingly been the starting rotation, and not the offense, that kept the Reds close to .500 for most of the season. If the Reds are going to take the next step in 2020, they’ll need more from their lineup.

Prospects like Nick Senzel, Jose Peraza and Jesse Winker have yet to hit their ceiling for the Reds, but it’s still early in their respective careers. Catcher Tyler Stephenson’s bat has come around this year, and he is playing himself into position to be considered for a September callup. The 2015 first-round pick out of high school has hit .285/.372/.410 on the year at Double-A.

Stephenson draws his best marks as a defender behind the plate. The 23-year-old has a strong arm and good hands. He also receives the ball well and moves well for a larger backstop. Stephenson hits well for average but is still working on tapping into all the power potential in his 6-foot-4 frame.

Even without a power stroke, Stephenson projects as a starting catcher in the big leagues. He makes good, consistent contact. Staying healthy will be his biggest issue, as he has played over 100 games only once in five seasons since being drafted.