The 2023 season saw the Cincinnati Reds promote a wave of rookie talent the likes of which we’ve not seen around these parts in quite some time. Each of Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Brandon Williamson, Andrew Abbott, and Will Benson (by some metrics) played as rookies last season, and all of those listed performed at or above the expectations placed upon them.
Because of said wave, there was never supposed to be another wave in 2024 - those youngsters paired with fellow pre-arb guys like TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, & Co.