Cody Reed (SP, CIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

Baller Move: Add in all leagues

Owned In: 1% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Analysis: When Johnny Cueto was dealt, the Reds got in return Brandon Finnegan, pitcher who debuted with the Royals in the World Series shortly after being drafted; John Lamb, a former top pitching prospect; and Cody Reed, a relative unknown. Finnegan and Lamb have already established themselves in the Reds rotation, and now it is time for the third, and arguably best, piece of that deal to join. Reed will make his MLB debut on Saturday, opposing the Houston Astros.

When he was dealt to the Reds, Reed was in the midst of a fine, but not outstanding season at Double-A. He had thrown 28.2 innings with a 3.45 ERA and a 4.27 FIP. He was generally considered a solid lefty with front of the rotation stuff and back of the rotation command. Since joining the Reds, it has been a totally different story. In Double-A Pensacola (CIN) last season, Reed compiled 49.2 innings with a 2.17 ERA, 2.24 FIP, 10.87 K/9, 2.90 BB/9 and 0.18 HR/9. He had continued that trend of stellar pitching into Triple-A, leaving Louisville after logging 64.2 innings of 3.20 ERA ball with a 3.37 FIP, 8.77 K/9, 2.37 BB/9 and 0.84 HR/9.

Think about this, in 2014, Reed was unranked by MLB.com, left off even the Royals Top-20 rankings. Now they rank him as the 60th best prospect in all of baseball. For fantasy owners looking for some starting pitching help, this is a potential front of the rotation arm who has been confirmed as a starter for the remainder of the season by Reds manager Bryan Price. With his strikeout upside and proven improved command, Reed could be a tremendous move to make