{"id":61689,"date":"2023-09-01T11:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T15:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=61689"},"modified":"2023-09-01T00:17:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T04:17:34","slug":"cincinnati-reds-waiver-additions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/09\/01\/cincinnati-reds-waiver-additions\/","title":{"rendered":"Cincinnati Reds Add Outfield Depth: How Should the New Guys Be Utilized?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/28\/cincinnati-reds-playoffs\/\" target=\"_self\">Cincinnati Reds<\/a> have added outfield depth via two waiver claims. Earlier this week, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/30\/angels-failure-in-august\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Angels<\/a> announced they were placing <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/29\/los-angeles-angels-place-stars-waivers\/\" target=\"_self\">multiple players on waivers<\/a>. The Reds were 15th in the order to claim any of the players placed out across Major League Baseball. Although pitching has been an area of concern for the Reds, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/31\/guardians-boost-roster-waivers\/\" target=\"_self\">Cleveland Guardians<\/a> claimed the former Angels big-name pitchers. This left the Reds in a particular dilemma: pass on the remaining players available, or add what you can to help your current roster. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Welcome to Cincinnati, Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe\u203c\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/l4Enrpe1WO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/l4Enrpe1WO<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Reds\/status\/1697325897919922282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 31, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two additions by the Cincinnati Reds <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/31\/reds-claim-outfielders\/\" target=\"_self\">come in the form<\/a> of right-handed hitting outfielders. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/baderha01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harrison Bader<\/a> from the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/30\/yankees-promoting-top-prospects\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Yankees<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/renfrhu01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hunter Renfroe<\/a> from the Angels were the two pickups for the playoff-hopeful Reds. How do these guys help the team, and how do they fit in with a young constructed roster?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Cincinnati Reds Add Outfield Depth via Waivers: How Should They Be Utilized?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bader was the first addition announced Thursday for the Cincinnati Reds. A former third-round pick by the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/26\/phillies-vs-cardinals\/\" target=\"_self\">St. Louis Cardinals<\/a>, Bader has primarily played center field his entire career. In 621 career games, he has spent all but 46 games in center. The Reds seemed to have found a solid center fielder already this season in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/friedtj01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TJ Friedl<\/a>. Friedl has not only displayed Gold Glove-caliber defense in center, but has shown the ability to hit left-handed pitching as well. Friedl\u2019s slash line this season against lefties is .312\/.361\/.429. This is good for a 111 wRC+ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/players\/tj-friedl\/19522\/splits?season=0&amp;position=OF&amp;split=0.5\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">per fangraphs.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bader himself finds more success against the southpaw pitchers as well. In 2023,\u00a0Bader\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fangraphs.com\/players\/harrison-bader\/18030\/splits?season=0&amp;position=OF&amp;split=0.5\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">slash line<\/a> sits at .343\/.392\/.687 with four home runs and a wRC+ of 191. Against righties, he has posted just a .510 OPS and a 40 wRC+.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[metabet_core_game_tile query=&#8221;534870&#8243; size=&#8221;350&#215;300&#8243; site_id=&#8221;lastwordonsports&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Friedl\u2019s ability to hit lefties, along with his defensive presence in the outfield, a platoon option with Bader seems unlikely. The more logical option is a platoon in left field with current outfielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bensowi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Will Benson<\/a>, as Benson can\u2019t hit lefties. Furthermore, the Reds announced that recently called-up infielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lopezal03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alejo Lopez<\/a> was DFA\u2019d. With no indication of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/i\/indiajo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan India<\/a> returning soon, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/steersp01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Steer<\/a> may be asked to play primarily at second base going forward. This move becomes more likely if rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mclaima01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt McLain<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/29\/matt-mclain-rookie-season\/\" target=\"_self\">misses significant time<\/a> while dealing with an oblique strain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Will Hunter Renfroe Stay in the Outfield, or Be Used at First Base?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more interesting pickup as far as playing position is Renfroe. Right field is the primary home of Hunter Renfroe. The position has recently been occupied by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martini02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Martini<\/a>, who the Reds called up just last week. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fraleja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Fraley<\/a> sent on a rehab assignment a few days ago, his return to the ball club appears imminent.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Reds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Reds<\/a> today sent OF Jake Fraley (stress fracture, left fourth toe) to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/H7UmzLzji8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/H7UmzLzji8<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Reds\/status\/1696608672888000624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 29, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the meantime, Renfroe can be a solid platoon option in right field with Martini. When Fraley returns to the roster, you could see him fill the everyday designated hitter role as well. In that case, the team could option <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hopkitj01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TJ Hopkins<\/a> in order to make room for Fraley. That would keep Benson and Renfroe in the outfield as a platoon. Another option with Renfroe is first base. His ability to play first could give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/e\/encarch01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-31_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Encarnacion-Strand<\/a> a day off when needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p>The Cincinnati Reds found a way to get better today with two waiver additions. By going outside the box and finding other ways to improve this team, they were able to set themselves up for the final month. Getting two power bats will be a big contributing factor in their success as they chase down a playoff spot. With both players having past postseason experience, they can also help mentor a young team in Cincinnati. A job well done to the Reds front office.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Cincinnati Reds have added outfield depth via two waiver claims. Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Angels announced they were placing multiple players on waivers. The Reds were 15th in the order to claim any of the players placed out across Major League Baseball. Although pitching has been an area of concern for the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4479,"featured_media":61707,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28,1071],"tags":[5042,1253,1025,2731,2005,156,41,5868,168,6395],"class_list":["post-61689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reds","category-mlb","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-harrison-bader","tag-hunter-renfroe","tag-jake-fraley","tag-jonathan-india","tag-los-angeles-angels","tag-new-york-yankees","tag-spencer-steer","tag-st-louis-cardinals","tag-tj-friedl"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4479"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61689"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61689\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}