When the Cincinnati Reds made Mike Moustakas the most expensive free agent signing in franchise history in December, 2019, the Reds accomplished three things.
The Reds added an All-Star caliber hitter to their infield, which was one of the team’s biggest weaknesses in 2019. They showed the ability to be aggressive in free agency. And it was one of the moves that showed the team’s five-season rebuild was over.
Even though Moustakas dealt with injuries over the last two seasons, he’s still one of the most established hitters in the Reds lineup. It only took Moustakas one game to show that after he came off the injured list with a heel injury. On Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Moustakas hit three doubles.
“He has just been there and done that,” Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart said. “There’s no situation he hasn’t been a part of on a baseball field, so nothing surprises him. It’s fun to watch. I’ve loved watching him play from afar for so many years, playing against him for a lot of years. I’m glad I don’t have to call pitches against him anymore.”
When the Reds signed Moustakas in 2019 to be their starting second baseman, he immediately filled the team’s biggest hole. During the 2019 season, Jose Peraza, Derek Dietrich and Freddy Galvis were the Reds main starters at that position.
After signing Moustakas, the Reds added a player who had just hit 35 home runs. Moustakas moved to third base when he came off the injured last week, and again he provided a significant upgrade to the Reds offense.
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