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Riley O'Brien, P
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Scouting report
O'Brien's 2020 issues can probably be dismissed as the result of circumstance, but reports generated from external looks at the Reds' alt site are not favorable. Unlikely to crack a loaded Rays 40-man, he was a prime trade candidate who wasn't invited to Tampa Bay's alt site but was added in order to be part of a desperate trade for pitching depth in the form of Cody Reed. It was savvy for the Reds to leverage both the Rays' prospect depth and short-term, injury-related needs into a pitcher who dominated the Florida State League the year before, but O'Brien probably wasn't physically ready to throw as suddenly as he was asked to after the deal. Remember, O'Brien's velocity climbed each of the last two years and in 2019 rested comfortably in the mid-90s. He also has an abnormally firm, sinking, upper-80s changeup, and a power, low-80s curveball, both of which look like impact pitches at times, just not during his early Reds tenure. Again, this seems like a prospect who struggled due to his specific 2020 circumstances. He's a classic small-school late bloomer with a good frame and athletic delivery, his stuff had been getting better for a few consecutive years like you'd hope from someone of that developmental background, and I anticipate a bounce back and eventual relief role. (Alternate site, Fall Instructional League)