Christian Encarnacion-Strand

Part of Cincinnati's return for Tyler Mahle from Minnesota, Encarnacion-Strand is a classic better-in-fantasy-than-reality prospect, and a future home in Great American Ball Park is an added bonus. There is also a much clearer path for Encarnacion-Strand, who currently spends most of his time at third base but may have to move to first base/designated hitter in the near future. Last season, he proved to be one of the preeminent sluggers in the minors, slashing .304/.368/.587 with an excellent 33.8 Hard% and 32 home runs in 122 games split almost evenly between High-A and Double-A. Prior to 2022, all we had to go on was that Encarnacion-Strand (a fourth-round pick in 2021) obliterated Single-A (175 wRC+) while being old for the level. However, he now has a pretty compelling track record of offensive dominance. His approach leaves something to be desired, as Encarnacion-Strand has never logged a walk rate over 9.1% in pro ball, which is unusual for a player his age (just turned 23) with 70-grade game power. It's possible his hit tool just doesn't translate at the highest level, but he should get a fair chance, given Cincinnati's lack of talent. We could see him in the majors in the second half.