The Reds announced to reporters on Wednesday that infield prospect Edwin Arroyo has undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Athletic.
Consequently, he will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 season. Arroyo sustained the injury while diving back to a base during a pickoff attempt in Spring Training, where he was participating as a non-roster invitee.
Cincinnati acquired Arroyo as part of the 2022 deadline trade that saw Luis Castillo move to Seattle. While Noelvi Marte was the centerpiece of the deal, Arroyo was also considered a promising prospect, potentially ranking within the Top 100.
Last season, he primarily played for High-A Dayton, batting .248/.321/.427 with 13 home runs and 28 stolen bases. Though not extraordinary, these stats were respectable for a player of his age, 19 at the time.
Arroyo was considered one of Cincinnati’s top prospects by Baseball America, ESPN, and The Athletic, ranking within the top five to seven in the organization. Both Kiley McDaniel of ESPN and Keith Law of The Athletic placed him towards the latter part of the Top 100 minor league talents list, highlighting his potential as a switch-hitter with some power and a chance to remain at shortstop consistently.
While he still has time on his side to develop, the surgery has undoubtedly dealt a blow to his prospect status, robbing him of a year’s worth of crucial development opportunities. Arroyo had only just reached Double-A and wasn’t expected to make a significant impact on the major league team this season. However, he could have progressed to higher levels with an aim for a debut in 2025.
Now, he faces an extended rehabilitation period, hoping to return healthy for the Double-A season in 2025. As the 2025 campaign concludes, Cincinnati will need to make a decision whether to include him on the 40-man roster or risk exposing him to the Rule 5 draft.