CINCINNATI -- Carlos Jorge was one of those Minor League camp players who stood out to Reds manager Terry Francona this year in Spring Training when the outfield prospect came over for numerous Cactus League games.
“His energy is out the [butt], which is good," Francona said.
Jorge, ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati's No. 16 prospect, was promoted to the big leagues for the first time on Friday from Triple-A Louisville. In 88 games this season with Louisville and Double-A Chattanooga, the soon-to-be 23-year-old speedster was batting .308/.376/.427 with eight home runs, 43 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in 38 attempts.
“He’s a kid that kind of burst onto [the scene]. Nothing was given to him," Francona said. "He just kind of played his [butt] off. And he’ll play center field, probably against the righties. Like with [right fielder Héctor] Rodríguez, trying to get them here now – you certainly want to win every game you can, that’s the object – you also try to set yourself up for next year.”
To make room on the 28-man roster, the Reds optioned utility player Ivan Johnson to Louisville. A 40-man roster spot was cleared for Jorge by outfielder/first baseman Michael Toglia being transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The lefty-hitting Jorge was not in Friday's starting lineup vs. the Brewers, who had a left-handed pitcher starting.
COMPLETE REDS PROSPECT COVERAGE
“They gave me an opportunity to prove myself," Jorge said. "I know we’re in the end of the season, so just come up here to do my job and try to do my best.”
Jorge was initially a shortstop when he signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 for $495,000, but he eventually moved to second base. By 2023, he was playing center field and found his lane for improvement on both sides of the game.
Listed at 5-foot-9, Jorge felt that he improved at making contact while using the whole field, and he made the most of his speed while controlling the strike zone.
“I think that helped me a lot this year," he said.
Defensively, Jorge should be able to cover a lot of ground and make plays. He also has an above-average throwing arm.
“There’s probably some ambitious mistakes," Francona said. "You’d rather have it that way. But I think we’re just looking forward to watching him and getting to know him better.”
As for the energy that impressed Francona?
“That’s me. I’m going to be an energy guy," Jorge said. "I’m going to just help my team, cheer for them and I want them to cheer for me. It’s supposed to be that way.”
Jorge, who turns 23 on Sept. 22, is the latest of several younger players that comprise the Reds' clubhouse -- joining Sal Stewart, Rodríguez, Edwin Arroyo and Luis Mey. For two straight seasons in 2024 and '25, Jorge was still at High-A Dayton. This year, he played only 59 games for Chattanooga and an additional 29 at Louisville, while his OPS jumped over 100 points from .697 last season to .803 in 2026.
“Last year, I wasn’t thinking that I was going to be here in the big leagues the next year," Jorge said. "Don’t stop dreaming. Keep working hard and do your best, because at the end of the day, God is going to give you what you worked for.”