In the world of baseball, where failure often defines a player’s journey, there’s a silver lining in the form of second chances. This narrative is vividly illustrated through former Cincinnati Reds players such as Scooter Gennett and Josh Hamilton, who faced significant obstacles early in their careers but ultimately achieved remarkable success in the major leagues.
Austin Hendrick, a former first-round pick by the Reds, is now hoping to follow in their footsteps. Drafted 12th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, Hendrick has yet to receive an official non-roster invitation to join the big-league camp for the upcoming season, but that could soon change. At 24 years old, this 2026 season could present him with the best opportunity yet to make his long-awaited Major League debut.
Hendrick's path has not been easy, and his struggles are well documented. Despite possessing impressive power, his lengthy swing and a tendency to strike out have hindered his progress in the Minor Leagues. Up to this point, he has played over 500 games in the minors, accumulating a strikingly high strikeout rate of nearly 36%.
However, last season marked a turning point for Hendrick during his time at Double-A Chattanooga. He made significant improvements, reducing his strikeout rate from 36.5% in 2024 to 32.5% in 2025. Additionally, his on-base percentage saw a notable increase from .243 to .322, and his weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) skyrocketed from an abysmal 51 in 2024 to a respectable 113 in 2025, indicating a substantial uptick in his offensive production.
One of Hendrick's most valuable assets is the raw power he brings to the field, a trait that the Reds have been actively seeking but have struggled to acquire this offseason. Currently, the team seems to be relying on a resurgence from Michael Toglia, a recently signed free agent who had a tough season with the Colorado Rockies, hitting only .190 with a wRC+ of 54, all while playing in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field.
The Reds also have other players within their organization boasting impressive power, including Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Rece Hinds, and Will Benson. Yet, these players face challenges of their own, as their lack of plate discipline and elevated strikeout rates can make them difficult to play consistently. It remains uncertain whether all of them will secure a spot on the roster come spring.
While it may be a long shot for Hendrick to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff when players report to Goodyear next month, this could very well be his greatest opportunity. Although breaking into the major league roster right out of camp seems unlikely, if he dedicates himself to improving his performance at Triple-A this season, he could turn his Major League aspirations into reality. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that he can seize this moment!
