Cincinnati Reds General Manager Nick Krall, following the second 100-loss season in franchise history, said there were no positions that had a set starter entering the 2023 season with some players coming off injuries.
There may have been a touch of hyperbole, but there are a lot of positions up in the air. Joey Votto may not be ready for Opening Day. Tyler Stephenson is recovering from a broken collarbone. Jonathan India is a definite starter, but he struggled in his second season and was rated as one of the worst defensive second basemen in the league.
Following the trade deadline, the Reds scored the second-fewest runs in the majors, produced the third-lowest slugging percentage (.355) and had the fifth-lowest on-base percentage (.294) despite playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark.
A talent drain from all their trades was a big factor in the lack of offense, but the Reds need to improve offensively. Here’s a look at where all their position players stand this winter, part two of the Enquirer’s breakdown of the 40-man roster:
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CATCHERS
Austin Romine, 33
The Reds acquired him after losing Tyler Stephenson and Aramis Garcia to injuries. He didn’t hit well, batting .147 in 95 at-bats, but rookie pitchers raved about how much he helped them.
Contract: Free agent.
2023 outlook: He’ll compete for a backup role somewhere in the spring. Reds probably want a backup that can handle more everyday playing time.
Tyler Stephenson, 26
It was an injury-riddled season with a concussion, broken thumb and broken collarbone. He showed he can hit in the middle of the order when healthy, batting .319 with six homers, nine doubles and 35 RBI in 50 games.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Starting catcher with All-Star potential, but he could receive a little more playing time at first base and designated hitter.
INFIELDERS
SS Jose Barrero, 24
He took a big step backward after he was the organization’s 2021 minor league player of the year. He hit .152 with five extra-base hits and 76 strikeouts in 165 at-bats.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: It’ll be an important spring training to show improvement as a hitter. The clock is ticking with top prospects pushing behind him.
SS Kyle Farmer, 32
Turned into the team leader after all the trades and was one of the league’s best hitters against lefties. In 145 games, he batted .255 with 14 homers, 25 doubles and 78 RBI.
Contract: Third year eligible for arbitration.
2023 outlook: The leading candidate for starting third baseman.
2B Jonathan India, 25
A disappointing sophomore season for the reigning National League Rookie of the Year. Leg injuries bothered him all year and his OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) dropped from .835 to .705.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: He remains the starting second baseman, but his defense needs to improve with shift restrictions.
UTL Alejo Lopez, 26
The switch-hitter came off the bench to hit .262 with five doubles, one homer and 10 RBI in 59 games. He made 33 starts.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Battling for a bench role. His impact is limited because he doesn’t hit for power, has below-average speed and struggles defensively.
1B Mike Moustakas, 34
Missed more than half of the season with injuries and continued to struggle offensively with a .214 batting average, 12 doubles, seven homers and 25 RBI in 252 at-bats.
Contract: Owed $18 million with a $20 million club option or $4 million buyout for 2024.
2023 outlook: Not guaranteed to make the roster after health issues and lack of a role. He's limited to first base and DH.
UTL Matt Reynolds, 31
Claimed off waivers in April and stuck on the roster for the rest of the season. Batted .246 with 10 doubles, three homers and 23 RBI in 92 games.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Enters the season as a favorite for a bench spot, but he will need to perform well when top prospects arrive, and the infield becomes more crowded.
1B Donovan Solano, 34
A hamstring injury cost him the first two months of the season, but he hit as expected with a .284 batting average, 16 doubles, four homers and 24 RBI in 80 games.
Contract: Free agent.
2023 outlook: He should draw some interest from other teams as a utility player.
UTL Spencer Steer, 24
The September call-up hit .211 with a .306 on-base percentage in his first cup of coffee in the majors. He added five doubles, two homers and eight RBI in 95 at-bats.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: The Reds like him in the utility role where he’s playing every day at several positions, and they hope his September experience will benefit him in his full rookie season.
1B Joey Votto, 39
It was the worst offensive season of his career, posting a .205 batting average and a .319 on-base percentage with 18 doubles and 11 homers in 91 games, but he was playing through a torn labrum and torn bicep.
Contract: Owed $25 million with a $20 million club option or $7 million buyout for 2024.
2023 outlook: He’ll be the starting first baseman when he’s recovered from surgery, and it could be his last year in a Reds uniform. He needs to hit like he did in 2021 to remain an everyday player.
OUTFIELDERS
Aristides Aquino, 28
Designated for assignment in April, the Reds gave him a final chance to show improvement offensively in the final two months of the season. His numbers didn’t improve with a .197 batting average, 10 homers, 13 doubles and 30 RBI in 259 at-bats, though he did provide Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Contract: First year eligible for arbitration.
2023 outlook: A candidate to be released this winter due to his rising arbitration salary, and other teams may have interest in a minor-league deal.
Allan Cerda, 22
Finished the season in Double-A. He had a .208 batting average and .360 on-base percentage in 124 minor league games with 24 homers, 22 doubles and 56 RBI.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Could begin year in Double-A. Needs to cut down on his strikeouts (33% rate this year) to push his way to MLB debut.
Stuart Fairchild, 26
Spent time in four organizations. He batted .279 with five homers, four doubles and six RBI in 38 games with the Reds.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Potential platoon partner with a left-handed-hitting outfielder, and he still has a minor league option.
Jake Fraley, 27
Limited to 68 games because of a knee injury and a broken toe, Fraley hit well at the end of the season. He finished with a .259 batting average, 12 homers, nine doubles and 28 RBI in 68 games.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Starting outfielder against right-handed pitching but needs to improve consistency to earn more opportunities versus lefties.
TJ Friedl, 27
Shuttled between Triple-A and MLB, and he showed much more power in his final stint in the big leagues. He hit .240 in 72 games with eight homers, 10 doubles, five triples and 25 RBI.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Barring an outfield signing, he’ll enter camp as one of the favorites to earn a starting spot against right-handed pitching.
Nick Senzel, 27
Played a career-high 110 games, but a broken toe ended his season early as he worked on a swing adjustment. Didn’t hit well as an everyday starter with a .231 batting average and .296 on-base percentage.
Contract: Second year eligible for arbitration.
2023 outlook: Needs to hit better to remain an everyday starter. He could move into a utility role if another center fielder emerges.
Michael Siani, 23
Called up for the final couple of weeks of the season after Senzel’s injury. He had a breakout season in Double-A and continued to showcase an elite glove in center field.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2023 outlook: Set to begin the season at Triple-A unless he has a breakout spring training, but could receive look as everyday center fielder if he continues to hit well in minors.
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