Cincinnati Reds Gambling With Outfield Ahead of 2024 Regular Season

Reds inability to sign Adam Duvall or any right-handed outfielder tips their hand.

Author:
Jeff Carr
Publish date:
Mar 15, 2024 11:54 AM EDT

In this story:

The Cincinnati Reds entered the offseason with a question in the outfield. They needed a right-handed platoon player for right field. It sounds like they're comfortable with who they off on the roster since they haven't addressed the need in free agency.

Take Adam Duvall, for example. He has decent career splits against right-handers and is a solid glove in the corner outfield spots with some ability to play center field. He is an upgrade when compared to what the Reds have in-house. He signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

The Reds could have done that deal. Some have said that he took less to go to Atlanta and be part of a World Series contender. Fine. Would it have taken that much more for him to sign in Cincinnati?

It’s possible that he had no interest in returning to Cincinnati, and that’s fine, but the point is the Reds are tipping their hand for how they will run the outfield this season.

It seemed like the Reds lean on one of their infielders to take on some of the right-handed playing time in the outfield. That was before Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension.

The outfield rotation cannot fully rely on Jonathan India or the pipe dream that was Christian Encarnacion-Strand in the outfield. India may see a few games out there, but with the way the designated hitter rotation looks, he will play more on the infield that it initially seemed he would.

Spencer Steer is still slated to play the majority of the time in left field, but it would also stand to reason he will see more infield playing time too. So what do the Reds have? What are they betting on right now?

They are either planning to play Stuart Fairchild in those platoon situations or they are going to break character and let either Will Benson or Jake Fraley face left-handed pitchers. Both ideas have their drawbacks.

Fairchild was one of the first players to receive the “best shape of his life” tag as spring training began. His performance in the Cactus League would seem to back up that tag, but it's still spring training. Thus far into his career, Fairchild has been a replacement level player. His production has neither hurt nor helped the Reds. It is conceivable he could make some sort of leap this year, but that is more of a hope than a strategy.

On the Benson/Fraley fronts, the Reds have made it a point during David Bell’s tenure as manager to limit the exposure that lefty hitters have against lefty pitchers. Those situations are usually unfavorable to the hitter. Neither Benson, nor Fraley have proven to be an exception to that. Reports are that both have worked hard this offseason in preparation of facing more lefties this year, but this is something that needs to be proven on the diamond. There is no real preparation for when Great American Ballpark’s lights are on and you’re facing a bonafide left-handed pitcher.

These options, like the Reds as a whole, have their upside. They also have a low floor. Michael A. Taylor (.256/.310/.436 vs lefties, Gold Glove in 2021) is still a free agent. Maybe they'll sign him before Opening Day to help solve their potential issues in the outfield.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Reds for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Starting Rotation

Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Bullpen

Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Infield

Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Outfield

Four Expectations for Reds Pitching Staff Ahead of 2024 Season

Reds Reveal Plan for Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain

Reds Show Loyalty With Jonathan India Extension

Jonathan India Could Be Traded, Even After Signing Extension

Joey Votto Shares Cryptic Tweet About Future

Matt McLain Receives Major Praise From Teammates Ahead of Spring Training