Daniel Corcino

Corcino struggled in his promotion to Triple-A in 2013, but as a 23-year-old, his future remains bright. Early in spring training, Corcino was showing improved velocity and command, and while he is ticketed for a second tour of the International League in 2014, he could be near the top of the list of potential callups for the Reds if injuries strike in the rotation. As pitching prospects go, Corcino is an intriguing bounce-back candidate in 2014.

Corcino is one of the Reds' top-three pitching prospects (the others being Tony Cingrani and Robert Stephenson), with perhaps the highest ceiling. He drew comparisons to Johnny Cueto in spring training based on his pitching style and birthplace. Corcino skipped High-A last year, going straight to Double-A at age 21, and posted a 3.01 ERA with a 126:65 K:BB over 143.1 innings. The Reds are unlikely to get 30 starts from each of their five starters again in 2013, and if Corcino holds his own at Triple-A, he could be the first to get a look in the event of an injury.

Corcino dominated at Low-A Dayton in 2011, striking out 156 batters in 139.1 innings with his three-pitch repertoire (92-94 mph fastball, slider and change-up). A 21-year-old out of the Dominican, Corcino is probably the Reds' best starting pitching prospect that hasn't yet tasted the major leagues, aside from maybe last year's first-round draft pick Robert Stephenson. If he can survive pitching in the offensive-fueled environment of the High-A California League, the Reds may have another find on their hands.