When the Cincinnati Reds selected RHP Rhett Lowder with their 7th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the plan was always to have him move quickly. He was awarded a 2024 invite to big league spring training, where he pitched in 3 games, and then we were a little bamboozled to find out he’d start in A+ Dayton, just to find out that he’d only make 5 starts there to get his feet wet in professional ball. After all, he didn’t throw a single inning after being drafted last year, so an aggressive start wasn’t necessary. We all knew he was better than A+, we’re talking about the games 30th best overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and by far the Cincinnati Reds best pitching prospect. Dayton wouldn’t be long, however…
Fast forward to today…It’s now said that RHP Rhett Lowder will be promoted from the Dayton Dragons (A+) to the Chattanooga Lookouts (AA) – several folks with boots on the ground noticed Rhett Lowder was with the Lookouts tonight in the dugout, suggesting that he will indeed be announced and promoted to AA, and the timeline adds up, too. The announcement is not yet official, but you can go ahead and book it…
The Reds Farm Director said there’s no specific timeline on when we can expect to see Rhett Lowder pitching in Cincinnati just yet, but he did mention that he just wants to see Rhett go out and pitch no matter what level he’s at, and that’s exactly what he’s done. In 5 games started in Dayton, Rhett has thrown 25.1 innings, given up 7 earned runs on 18 hits on 2 homeruns, and is sporting a 2.49 ERA paired with a 6:29 BB:K. He is rocking a 0.95 WHIP. In other words, he has been the Rhett Lowder the Reds drafted in his first 5 starts in pro ball. There’s nothing suggesting he couldn’t make his MLB debut in 2024, though very unlikely, considering the Reds starting staff has been stellar.
What to expect from Rhett Lowder in AA Chattanooga
Rhett Lowder is going to be challenged the most in Chattanooga. I expect him to continue throwing his fastball, but I’d be shocked if the Reds didn’t have him throwing his secondaries in Chattanooga way more than he did in Dayton. His changeup is still his best pitch, and his slider could use some more polish, which is where I think he’ll be focusing a lot of his development at this level on. I would imagine him making 10 starts in AA, and if all goes well, getting promoted to AAA, where, as long as there’s no significant injuries to the Major League rotation, he likely finishes his 2024 season, barring a late 40 man roster addition & September call up.
If you’re a Reds fan, you should be thrilled for the potential of adding Lowder to the mix. With Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene both shining early, adding Rhett Lowder to the bunch packs a really fun 1-2-3. That’s before we even mention Graham Ashcraft, who has pitched well in his own right, and Andrew Abbott who is right there with them. Starting pitching is no longer an issue for this club.
