Cincinnati Reds’ Ryan McCrystal Shines in 2025 Season

The Cincinnati Reds have identified a promising talent in catcher Ryan McCrystal, who delivered a commendable performance during the 2025 season. Playing for the Daytona Tortugas, McCrystal, 23, achieved a batting average of .295 and an OPS of .791, contributing four home runs in his first full professional season. His defensive skills were equally impressive, as he threw out 24 percent of attempted baserunners and maintained a fielding percentage of .992.

On July 24, 2025, the Reds recognized McCrystal’s potential by promoting him to High-A, where he joined the Dayton Dragons. In his second game, he recorded two hits in four at-bats. Although his offensive numbers dipped in High-A, he managed a respectable .271 batting average with seven doubles over 20 games, showcasing his ability to adjust to higher competition.

Drafted in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft with pick 269, McCrystal hails from East Carolina University. He earned accolades during his collegiate career, including being named to the 2024 All-Regional Team and the Second Team All-American Athletic Conference. His high school career also stands out, leading his team to a state championship in North Carolina while boasting a career batting average of .406.

Despite facing challenges, including back injuries that limited his college appearances, McCrystal’s resilience has made him a noteworthy prospect. He completed his collegiate journey with a .296 batting average, nine home runs, and a .983 fielding percentage over 144 games. Notably, he was ranked as the 32nd catching prospect in 2023 and second among American Athletic Conference prospects heading into the draft.

McCrystal provides the Reds with a critical depth option at a position where they have faced significant challenges. His versatility is evident, as he also played 20 games at first base without committing an error in 140.2 innings. Looking ahead, he is expected to start the 2026 season with the Dayton Dragons as a secondary option behind the team’s top catching prospect.

In the current landscape of the Reds’ farm system, McCrystal’s emergence is vital. As the organization strives for improvement, players like him offer a blend of offensive capability and defensive reliability that the team urgently needs. As he continues to develop, McCrystal may play a significant role in the Reds’ future endeavors.