The Reason Behind Cincinnati Reds’ Quest for a Big Bat Despite Electrifying Arrival of a power-hitting Bat…
Evaluating the Cincinnati Reds’ Need for Power Bats and Welcoming Frankie Montas…
In the midst of the off-season discussions, a prevalent theme emerged suggesting that the Cincinnati Reds needed to bolster their lineup with a power-hitting bat, particularly in the outfield. Initially, I inclined towards this viewpoint, but a closer examination has left me uncertain. This analysis aims to explore the available options and the current roster’s power potential.
To begin with, the market for power hitters appears limited. Out of the 29 players who hit 30 or more home runs last season, few are viable choices for the Reds. J.D. Martinez, primarily a designated hitter now, stands out, and a couple of other options like Cody Bellinger and Adam Duvall could be considered. However, Duvall’s career has been marked by inconsistency. Notably, Joey Votto, despite his limited playing time last year, demonstrated considerable home run prowess, placing him among the top 25 in IsoP.
Turning our attention to the existing team members, Will Benson, Elly De La Cruz, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are identified by FanGraphs as possessing 70-grade raw power. Encarnacion-Strand, who hit 33 home runs last year, and De La Cruz, with 25 homers, showcase promising potential. Additionally, Matt McLain, who recorded 28 home runs between Triple-A and MLB, adds to the power-hitting prospects. Jake Fraley and Spencer Steer bring their own power threats, while others like Jeimer Candelario, Noelvi Marte, Jonathan India, and TJ Friedl have displayed 20-25 homer power at various levels.
Despite potential skepticism about Friedl, his impressive 4.4 WAR season last year and overall impact make a strong case for him in the lineup. The dilemma arises: while a desire for a big power bat is understandable, the scarcity of available options and the emerging talents on the roster suggest a need to let these players showcase their abilities at the big league level.
Shifting gears, the narrative takes an exciting turn with the addition of Frankie Montas to the Cincinnati Reds. Montas, who endured an injury-plagued 2023 with the New York Yankees, opted for a one-year, $16 million deal with the Reds. In an interview with MLB Network, Montas expressed his excitement, describing his new teammates as “electric.” This sentiment aligns with the prevailing perception that the Reds boast one of the most thrilling young cores in baseball.
Montas becomes a compelling signing for the Reds, banking on his potential return to pre-injury form. His track record with the Oakland Athletics, including a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting in 2019, attests to his capabilities. If Montas can regain his past form, the Reds, armed with pitching depth and a dynamic lineup, could emerge as a formidable contender in the 2024 season, aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2020.
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