The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their infield options with the recent acquisition of Mark Mathias through a free agent deal. Mathias, who secured a minor league contract, comes to the Reds after navigating through five different organizations in the past two seasons.
His journey in 2022 included stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers, and in 2023, he saw big league action with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. Additionally, Mathias spent a month with the Seattle Mariners in Triple-A before being traded to the Giants.
In his 73 big league games, Mark Mathias has posted a batting average of .246, an on-base percentage of .317, and a slugging percentage of .391, resulting in a slightly below-average OPS of 708 (95 OPS+). As a right-handed hitter, Mathias offers versatility as a potential super utility player. While most of his major league experience has come in the infield, primarily at second base, he has also demonstrated proficiency in left, center, and right field.
In the Triple-A 2023 season, Mathias showcased his offensive capabilities with a .292/.402/.411 slash line, accompanied by 30 walks and 50 strikeouts in 204 plate appearances across Indianapolis, Tacoma, and Sacramento. Notably, he played every position except center and catcher during his time in the minor leagues last year.
Although power hitting has not been a standout aspect of Mathias’s game, his 12 home runs in 2019 in Triple-A remain a career high, coinciding with a period when the baseball was known for being juiced. While he isn’t a prolific base stealer, his success rate of 83% in 80 attempts reflects efficiency on the base paths.
Given the surplus of infielders in the Reds’ big league roster, Mathias’s outfield capabilities may serve as an advantage for his return to the majors. His ability to contribute in the outfield could potentially make him a valuable asset, especially considering the crowded infield situation and the likelihood that Spencer Steer, initially an infielder, may see considerable playing time in the outfield.
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