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The Cincinnati Reds have officially cut ties with one of their former first-round draft selections. According to a report from @HeyGingersaurus on X, outfielder Austin Hendrick has chosen free agency, ending a tenure with the organization that fell short of expectations.
Hendrick was taken by the Reds with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft out of West Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania. At the time, he was regarded as a promising young outfielder with significant raw power and the potential to develop into a impactful hitter at the major league level.
It's worth noting the unique challenges of the 2020 draft, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the baseball season and limited scouting opportunities. High school players like Hendrick were particularly affected, as he never got to play his senior season. The Reds took a calculated risk on his upside, hoping his power would eventually translate to professional success.
That gamble did not pay off. Hendrick struggled to find consistency throughout his minor league career, especially in making contact. Over 627 career minor league games, he posted a slash line of .211/.293/.366 with 84 home runs, 290 RBIs, and 867 strikeouts. While his power occasionally flashed, the strikeout totals were a persistent concern.
His difficulties became more pronounced as he climbed the minor league ladder. In 2024 with Double-A Chattanooga, Hendrick batted just .188 with 11 home runs and a .531 OPS in 121 games. He showed some improvement in 2025, hitting .246 with 14 home runs, but it wasn't enough to reverse the overall trend. In 2026, he split time between Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, hitting .212 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, and a .650 OPS in 116 games. His performance at Triple-A was particularly underwhelming: in 58 games with Louisville, he hit .180 with seven home runs and a .566 OPS.
Now 25 years old, Hendrick has yet to make his major league debut, and it became increasingly clear that his future with the Reds was uncertain. There's no denying that his time in Cincinnati was a disappointment given his draft position, but his baseball career may not be over. A change of scenery could benefit a player who still possesses power potential, and perhaps another organization can help him make the adjustments needed to become a more consistent hitter.
Key Analysis
Hendrick's story underscores the inherent risks of drafting high school players, especially in a year when scouting was severely limited by the pandemic. While his power remains an intriguing tool, his high strikeout rate and low on-base percentage have hindered his progress. A fresh start with a new organization might provide the coaching and opportunity he needs to refine his approach and finally tap into his potential. For the Reds, it's a missed opportunity on a first-round pick, but for Hendrick, it's a chance to rewrite his career narrative.