"Not long ago, the Reds found themselves in possession of what looked to be a borderline surplus of infielders. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand all had varying levels big league experience even before Cincinnati signed Jeimer Candelario to a three-year contract. A wide range of opinions on how to best divide the playing time persisted, but the Reds had the makings of a formidable collection of young bats."
"Marte now patrols the outfield more than the infield. India is in Kansas City, traded last winter in exchange for right-hander Brady Singer. Candelario was released halfway through what has turned out to be a significant misstep of a signing. Encarnacion-Strand has been beset by injury. Steer has bounced all around the diamond, including in the outfield, but he's settled in more at first base."
"The overall offense in Cincinnati has been tepid, at best. The Reds, despite playing in perhaps the most homer-friendly park in the sport, rank 23rd in MLB with 146 home runs. They're 13th in runs scored, 16th in batting average and on-base percentage, and 21st in slugging percentage. The offense is ... fine. It's not a glaring deficiency, but it's also not going to turn any heads."
The Reds once possessed a borderline surplus of infielders, including Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and later signed Jeimer Candelario to a three-year contract. That group has since turned over: Marte now plays outfield, India was traded to Kansas City for Brady Singer, Candelario was released, Encarnacion-Strand has battled injury, Steer shifted around and settled at first base, De La Cruz is entrenched at shortstop, McLain remains a question after 2024 shoulder surgery, and top prospect Sal Stewart received a major-league promotion. The offense has been tepid, ranking low in home runs and slugging, while pitching has significantly improved.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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