Julian Aguiar

Julian Aguiar was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round in 2021. The Reds seem to have had a successful draft in ’21. With Andrew Abbott and Matt McLain already making the Major League roster and having success early on, Julian Aguiar looks to add his name to the list of that draft class to make it to Cincinnati.

Julian wasn’t a highly sought after prospect, being the 311th ranked right handed pitcher in his class and 111th ranked in the state of California, Aguiar made had to grind his way on to scouts radars and it worked, sort of. Aguiar wasn’t heavily recruited so he would opt into the Junior College route and stay close to home in Long Beach. Aguiar features a fastball that touches 93, a slider, curveball and changeup. Julian would attend El Camino College in 2020. He would appear in 8 games with El Camino. He would go 5-0 with an ERA of 2.47 in 7 starts. He would have 44 strikeouts in 47.1 innings pitched. Julian would pitch for Cypress College in 2021. He would have a higher ERA there, 4.38. Aguiar didn’t dominate at Cypress, but would pitch well enough to earn the opportunity to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round.

Julian Aguiar would debut for the Reds Rookie League that fall and would appear in 5 games out of the bullpen. In 8.2 innings, he would go 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA with 14 strikeouts and 0 walks. Aguiar’s command has always been his strong suit. He doesn’t have the high velocity you see out of pitchers today, but when he locates his pitches, he can absolutely be a serviceable starter. 2022 would see Aguiar earn starting spots in low A Daytona for the majority of the season. In 15 starts, 23 total appearances, Aguiar would go 7-7 with a 3.16 ERA, 103 strikeouts, and 22 walks. Aguiar would be promoted to Dayton on August 7th, 2022 and appear in 2 games.

2023 would see Julian improve at Dayton. In 14 starts, Aguiar would go 4-1 with a 1.92 ERA. Hitters would only bat .174 off him. He would strike out 77 and walk 24. The Reds really seem to like what they’re seeing out of Julian Aguiar, as he has been progressing through the farm system rather quickly. From a guy that wasn’t heavily scouted and only pitched in Junior College, Julian Aguiar is climbing the ranks of the Reds farm system and would earn spots on the Reds top 30 prospects lists. On July 14th, the Reds would promote Julian to Double A Chattanooga. He would start 11 games for Chattanooga and have an ERA of 4.28, 61 strikeouts and 13 walks. The Reds would name Julian their 2023 Minor League pitcher of the Year.

So far in 2024, Julian Aguiar is performing the same way he has been his whole Minor League career. He started ’24 in Double A Chattanooga and has improved on last year. 13 starts, 3.38 ERA, 54 strikeouts, 13 walks. On June 18th, the Reds promoted Julian to Triple A Louisville. While adjusting to the league, he has made 9 starts so far for Louisville. He has a 4.40 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 16 walks.

I really like Julians’ story. He has made the most out of situations that were not given to him. From Junior Colleges to the Reds 11th ranked prospect in the summer of 2024. The Reds have promoted Julian to the Major League Roster on August 19th to pitch in Toronto. Congratulations Julian.

Photo Credit; Yahoo Sports

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