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MLB

Reno Has Historic Offensive Potential in 2025

March 13, 2025

Despite constant shuffling with promotions, demotions, and trades, Reno has led the Pacific Coast League in batting average and posted the lowest strikeout rate in each of the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks organization remains loaded on the hitting front, with Keith Law at The Athletic recently ranking it as

Despite constant shuffling with promotions, demotions, and trades, Reno has led the Pacific Coast League in batting average and posted the lowest strikeout rate in each of the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks organization remains loaded on the hitting front, with Keith Law at The Athletic recently ranking it as the fourth best system in the sport.

Arizona has leaned much more into hitters in recent drafts while opting for international signings and trades to supplement the pitching staff. Each draft class since 2021 has produced at least one standout position player. It was Jordan Lawlar and Adrian Del Castillo in 2021, Druw Jones and Demetrio Crisantes in 2022, Tommy Troy and Gino Groover in 2023, and Slade Caldwell and Ryan Waldschmidt in 2024. It’s a clear organization philosophy and strength, and Reno is reaping the rewards.

What can fans expect from the BLC Nine at the plate this summer? Who are some players who could lead the charge?

These are *predictions for who may be in Reno in 2025, not a roster

Jordan LawlarLawlar was tracking to spend considerable time in the majors in 2024, but thumb and hamstring injuries kept him out for most of the year. He returned to Reno for the playoff run and was his usual, monstrous self. He shined at the plate, on defense, and on the bases. He’s ripped apart the upper minors, thoroughly enjoying the hitter-friendly parks in Amarillo and Reno.

It’s never been a question of talent with the former sixth overall pick, who's been a consensus top 15 prospect each of the last three years and is a career .294/.392/.501 hitter in 230 minor league games. He’s a tremendous all-around player with a chance to be a star at the big league level, combining a dynamic offensive game with the athleticism to excel at multiple defensive positions.

Adrian Del CastilloIt was a dominant 2024 season for Del Castillo, who hit .311/.392/.527 and blasted 26 homers en route to PCL MVP honors. He played 25 games in the majors and continued to mash before a demotion back to Reno in mid September. The DBacks have consistently opted for veteran defensive stalwart José Herrera as a backup to budding star Gabriel Moreno, but “ADC” is slamming on the door for an everyday look.

To hit the way he did last season is gaudy in and of itself. To do it as a catcher is even more valuable, allowing his manager to add another bat in the DH spot while getting league-best production from a position that is collectively the worst offensively every season. ADC has emerged into Arizona’s future, and perhaps immediate, plans.

Jorge BarrosaScream “hip hip” from any corner of Greater Nevada Field and someone will excitedly shout back “Jor-ge!” as an ode to Reno’s beloved centerfielder. Barrosa, 24, has built a special bond with fans thanks to his warm personality and obvious adoration for the game. He plays his heart out every night and brings phenomenal defense to all three outfield spots.

At the plate, the diminutive Venezuelan packs doubles punch from both sides and has outstanding plate discipline. His 2024 season was shortened due to a nagging hamstring injury and he didn’t quite get back to full form down the stretch. After debuting last April, he’s on the 40-man roster and hopes to break camp with the Diamondbacks.

Cristian PacheFormerly a top five prospect, Pache drew comparisons to Andruw Jones, an all-time great centerfielder, for his breathtaking defense and 30-homer potential. His career hasn’t panned out so far as he’s struggled to make enough consistent contact to tap into his power. Still just 26, he has an opportunity to win a big league job this spring after playing 88 games in the majors last season.

Teammates and coaches prompted on Pache rave about his persona. MLB veteran Tony Kemp said “You can tell there’s a lot of energy in his game. I feed off him. Can’t say enough about his energy.” A’s manager Mark Kotsay called him “electric” while Pache himself said “I’m a happy person and I’m full of energy at all times.”

*Ildemaro Vargas
*The man similarly dubbed as the “energizer bunny,” Vargas is crushing in spring training and looks like a steal of a minor league signing for the Diamondbacks. If he returns to Reno, he’ll carry with him nearly every record in team history. He’s spent parts of five seasons in the Biggest Little City, racking up over 500 hits in 317 games.

Vargas is an aggressive switch hitter who rarely strikes out. He plays a fantastic third base with the ability to bounce around the infield. On and off the field, he’s known for his exuberant personality, never-ending smile, and infectious energy. He’d be welcomed with open arms should he return home to Greater Nevada Field.

Trey ManciniOnce a prodigious slugger in Baltimore, Mancini is back in professional baseball on a minor league deal after missing the 2023 season. He hit 83 home runs from 2017 to 2019 and became a fan favorite and leader for the upstart Orioles. He’s a right-handed masher who’s hit 20 or more homers in six professional seasons, including a career high 35 in an outstanding 2019 campaign.

In addition to his power in the batter’s box, Mancini is a pillar of strength off the diamond. He was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2020 and underwent six months of chemotherapy and treatment. Now five years cancer free, he’s enjoying spring training with his new organization and says he feels “really good.”

Tim TawaIt was quite the second half for Tawa, who shook off a rough start to his Triple-A career to become the league’s most potent hitter down the stretch. His 31 homers led all DBacks minor leaguers and prompted Arizona to add him to the 40-man roster last fall. He’s a burly right-handed hitter who should get time at first, second, and third.

Tawa’s impeccable work ethic and drive has shined in his rise through the minors. He said this offseason “Nobody works harder than me. I'm motivated more than ever to continue getting better and just want to do whatever I can to help in any way possible."

Others of note: Tristin English, Grae Kessinger, Connor Kaiser

The Reno Aces will open the 2025 season on the road in Las Vegas on Friday, March 28. They will make their home debut at Greater Nevada Field on Tuesday, April 1, hosting the Tacoma Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate, at 2:05 p.m. PDT.Season memberships for the 2025 season are available via RenoAces.com by texting "MEMBER" to 21003 or calling (775) 334-7000.