SF Giants add former power-hitting Reds outfield prospect on a minor league deal

The SF Giants bolstered minor league depth on Tuesday. They signed former Cincinnati Reds power-hitting outfield prospect Allan Cerda to a minor league contract and assigned him to Double-A according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants add former power-hitting Reds outfield prospect on a minor league deal

Outfield depth in the upper minors has been depleted due to injuries in Sacramento and on the major league roster. The Giants' outfield lineup features Heliot Ramos and Luis Matos on an everyday basis. They have both earned the opportunity after starting the season in Triple-A.

However, this has left the upper minors without much depth. Wade Meckler is nearing a return to Triple-A after spending the entire season so far on the injured list. On the other hand, Chase Pinder and Yusniel Díaz are on the injured list with the latter recently being transferred to the minor league 60-day injured list.

This has prompted the Giants to go outside of the organization to add outfield depth. It has even created an opportunity for someone like Hunter Bishop to prove what he can do in Sacramento while being healthy for the first time in years.

Allan Cerda is the next player to have his name called. Cerda had spent his entire career with the Reds organization before being released in the middle of May. He even spent time on the team's 40-man roster for the 2022 season. This came after the right-handed bat registered an .884 OPS with 17 home runs in 363 plate appearances split across two lower levels in 2021.

However, Cerda struggled against Double-A pitching in the following year. He was non-tendered and re-signed by the Reds on a minor league deal. In six minor league seasons, he has registered a .223/.361/.449 line with a 14.3 percent walk rate against a 30.7 percent strike rate.

The 24-year-old outfielder hits for a lot of power. He generates bat speed with ease and can pull the ball into the air consistently. Perhaps, he tries to pull the ball a little too often. This exposes him to pitches on the outer half of the zone. Despite his healthy walk rate as a pro, he chases out of the zone too often. Despite the power, Cerda has a below-average hit tool.

In the field, Cerda has the speed and arm to stick in center field. If not, he should be able to be an above-average right fielder.

Giants outfield prospect Grant McCray will be patrolling center field for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The addition of Cerda should give them a fourth outfielder with some power potential and someone who could fill in if McCray pushes for a promotion to Triple-A.