Reds Prospect Emerging as Potential September Call-Up in 2026

We are about two week from September and the Cincinnati Reds are in last place in the NL Central. You know what that means. September call-ups.

MLB Pipeline Predicts this Louisville player to be called up

In a recent article, MLB Pipeline made a prediction of one potential call-up for each Major League Franchise. For the Cincinnati Reds, Louisville Bats outfielder Carlos Jorge is expected to make his major league debut in 2026. As Edwin Arroyo and Hector Rodriguez have both made their big league debuts this year, this choice is a logical one. But when the 2026 season started, this pick might not have made as much sense.

Jorge is the everyday center fielder for Triple-A Louisville. He was an International free agent signee in January 2021. Before that, he was originally a shortstop out of the Dominican Republic. He signed for only $425,000 in the international signing period, when the Reds also acquired Leo Balcazar. In 2023, Jorge made the move to the outfield and has grown so much there that he is now considered one of the best defensive outfielders in the system.

What is the scouting report on Carlos Jorge?

Jorge is currently the Cincinnati Reds' #16 prospect. The 22-year-old has been as high as the sixth overall prospect for the Reds. The Reds left Jorge unprotected in last year's Rule 5 Draft, but luckily he wasn't selected. He ended his 2025 campaign in High-A Dayton, finishing the year on a high note. He would start the 2026 season in Double-A Chattanooga, and has had an even stronger year.

In 59 games in Chattanooga, Jorge hit .330 with six homers and 23 stolen bases. This performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Louisville at the end of June.

The scouting report on Jorge is that he is a high-contact hitter who focuses on getting on base. He has 60-grade speed, as he has stolen 20+ bases at every minor league level. He is an elite defensive outfielder with a 55-grade arm and 60-grade fielding.

"The Reds left Jorge unprotected in last year's Rule 5 Draft, but he wasn't selected," MLB Pipeline wrote. "He’s responded by having a terrific year, hitting his way from Double-A to Triple-A with a combined .313/.376/.431 slash line to go along with 31 steals. He continues to show he’s one of the better defensive outfielders in the system now, too, one who will almost certainly get added to the 40-man roster this time around when the 2026 season concludes."

Overall, Jorge has been a bright spot for the Reds Organization and deserves a chance to show what he can do at the major league level.

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