In August, the Cincinnati Reds’ defense hasn’t been good enough for a team that’s aiming to win with pitching and defense.
The plan was that when the lights got brighter and the Reds found themselves playing big games against good teams, their pitching and defense would be able to carry them. The defense isn’t up to that task yet, so the plan could use some short-term tweaks for the stretch run. The Reds should start chasing more offense as they put together the lineup on a daily basis. The first step should be calling up Sal Stewart to be the DH while shuffling some other pieces in the lineup around, including playing Gavin Lux more at second base or left field instead of having him DH.
That’s the focus of the latest episode of Power Stacks.
Brian and I discuss the impact of a Reds’ defense that didn’t make enough plays in LA. If the Reds pivot toward a more offense-oriented lineup, then they’d have a few choices that we sort through.
In the show, hear from Tyler Stephenson on his rehab. Brian and I also check in on the bullpen with Graham Ashcraft now landing on the IL.
Reds need to accept playoffs aren’t happening. Use last month to dry run for next season. But but but….even if Mets collapsed, the current team can’t beat Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers, Padres.
Hayes at 3B and Steer at 1B are gold glove candidates. Up the middle, thought to be a strength is not. Elly should move to CF. His arm would be an asset. Would not be fair to him to move him now. But day 1 in spring training he should be out there. Sal Stewart should be playing 5 days a week at 2B. Let McClain play some at short.
Marte looks good in right. He’ll get better. He has an arm. Friedl can move to left and compete for a job. He’s got a weak arm. Good glove. But a big bat in left would be good. Andujar or Hays. Keep one. I’d decline the $12M option on Hays. No more than $7M for either Andujar or Hays. First one to accept. 1 yr deal. Rodriguez gets a shot in spring training. One alternative. Put Steer in left and get a big bat at 1B. Steer and Friedl could platoon.
I’d trade Stephenson. Find a better hitting catcher if possible. Orioles just signed rookie C to big contract. Maybe Rutschman is gettable.
Benson on bench is fine. Need to see more offense. Espinal is gone. McClain can be utility infielder.
Pitching staff looks good at SP as they get healthy. Do need a scary veteran for 8th inning. I assume pagan is gone. Santillan to close. Need better depth. Tito overuse certain pitchers. They are wore out.
2026 is year to push. Martinez and Jeimer are gone. Should be some $$ available. Spend wisely. Get some pop in lineup.
Tito needs to tweak his approach. He preached accountability. Seemed soft. Team was way to passive on base paths. Let Elly run. If he’s hurt, rest him. Last year the team ran more, was more exciting.
This team had much more talent. But has same record. David Bell would have won more games than Tito with this talent.
I assume Tito is back if he wants to be. Personally, he seemed rusty and did not provide the bump expected.
Let’s see what they can learn in next 30 days. Hopefully they step it up a bit.
The Reds can not continue with a second baseman that hits. 220 & plays average to poor defense , & is there because two plus years ago he had a Fluke stretch when he hit. That issue
should be solved in the offseason, & obviously down the stretch by inserting Stewart, and perhaps Lux on occasion . The present Reds edition has many issues to address before becoming a Division winning threat. The team has few "Clean Games " to which Francona frequently refers. Dick G.