Reds’ Cam Collier Comes To Camp In Great Shape
Third baseman Cam Collier had an average season for Low-A Daytona in 2023.
But he was well above-average in another regard: youth.
Collier was the lone 18-year-old regular in the Florida State League and one of just nine at Low-A.
The Reds drafted Collier 18th overall in 2022 out of Chipola (Fla.) JC. He finished high school a year early to enroll in junior college and make himself eligible for the draft as a 17-year-old.
“He finished the season really strong in Daytona Beach last year,” Reds senior director of player development Jeremy Farrell said. “He went into the offseason, put in the work, addressed some areas and has come into spring training and had a really good spring.
“It’s translated to the box as well, the ability to repeat his swing, repeat his approach and what he’s trying to do as a hitter.”
Collier’s offseason work paid off with a spot on the Reds’ Spring Breakout roster. He started at third base in the game against the Rangers and hit an opposite-field, two-run homer in his first at-bat.
The lefthanded-hitting Collier had only one opposite-field home run last season. Getting the ball in the air more—he had a 53% groundball rate—could allow his raw power to show up in games more frequently.
“He came into camp in great shape. Just matured overall as a kid,” Farrell said. “You could notice that right away, just talking with him. All that has played out in the way he’s playing third base, moving around and making plays we just didn’t see him make last year. “
While scouting reports have generally evaluated Collier as a bat-first player, improved athleticism in the field not only helps his overall game, but it could be something that allows him to stay at the hot corner instead of having to slide across the infield to first base.
