A.J. Reed claimed by Chicago White Sox, promoted to majors

One of the best players in Kentucky Wildcats baseball history has had a rough road to the pros.

A.J. Reed won the Golden Spikes Award given to the best amateur baseball player in the country following a 2014 season at Kentucky that saw him dominant both on the mound and at the plate. The Houston Astros drafted Reed in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft.

After cruising his way to Triple-A Fresno after just a year in a half in the lower levels of the minor leagues, Reed seemed destined to make the bigs and thrive.

That has not been the case for the former Wildcat, however, as Reed has gotten just 131 big league at-bats and hit .153 with only three home runs. With struggles in both Triple-A and the minors, the Astros finally decided to move on waiving the former college superstar.

Luckily for Reed, he has been given a second chance. Not only will Reed be joining the Chicago White Sox organization Friday following the MLB All-Star break, but he will head right to the big leagues to take on the Oakland A’s.

Reed spoke with Rick Semmler of WTHI in Indiana to break the news.

Hopefully with the White Sox, Reed can finally reach his full potential that Kentucky fans had the pleasure to witness during his time in Lexington.