Which Reds have something to play for?
These four young Reds are trying to firm up their roster spots for next season and beyond as another lost season grinds to a conclusion.
No one has ever called me a quitter, but I’m starting to think the ol’ Redlegs might fall short in their quest for the World Series this season. Call it a hunch. Having lost 13 of 19 games before back-to-back wins over the weekend, Cincinnati is clinging desperately to fourth place in the National League Central division.
With 35 games remaining in the 2022 campaign, however, some Reds players still have everything to play for. Whether that’s a place in Cincinnati’s long-term plans or a spot on some other club next year, a lot is on the line for a few guys.
Take outfielder Jake Fraley, for one. Since returning from injury on July 30, he’s been magnificent, hitting .312/.393/.584 with six home runs in 24 games. In some ways, He’s doing an outstanding imitation of former Red Tyler Naquin, and he’s a similar type of player. Fraley has always been able to mash right-handed pitching, so he’s perfect as a platoon partner. Given the lack of outfield options in Cincinnati, the 27-year-old is likely playing himself into a key role for 2023.
In fact, despite a weakness against lefties and a less-than-stellar defensive reputation, you could make the case that Fraley is the best returning option for Cincinnati in the outfield. I mean, I won’t make that case—I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for Nick Senzel, against growing odds—but who else do the Reds have in the outfield for next year? Don’t think about that question for too long … it’ll make your head hurt. But Fraley can definitely help next year’s Reds. Plus, he isn’t going to put up with any of your nonsense.
Another guy I’m watching very closely is starting pitcher Justin Dunn (not to be confused with the greatest player of all time, Adam Dunn), who came over from Seattle in the Jesse Winker/Eugenio Suarez trade back in March. A former first-round pick of the Mets, he’s only 26 and, before this season, had started 25 games over parts of three seasons with the Mariners.
Continue at Cincinnati Magazine…
Coming soon…
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The Riverfront: A Cincinnati Reds Show
What is this week's episode of The Riverfront about? Well, Chris Garber joined me, so it's pretty much just shenanigans, antics, and nonsense. Nate Dotson joined us eventually and it got even sillier.
We discussed Joey Votto's next career, our expectations for Jonathan India, and the best player who is not currently enshrined in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Plus: When was the last great Reds team?
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