Catching Up with Departed Reds: Position Players

The 2021 Cincinnati Reds experienced much more success than many imagined. They were just out of reach for a playoff spot. In fact, they would have reached the playoffs if the new playoff format was implemented last year. Many expected the Reds to reload and get ready for the 2022 season with a similar team to last year. But the Reds’ front office had other ideas as they traded multiple huge pieces of the 2021 contender. Today, we’re going to be catching up with departed Reds, more specifically, the departed position players.

Nick Castellanos, OF Philadelphia Phillies

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Nick Castellanos was arguably the Reds’ best player in 2021. He was spectacular for them.

But he hasn’t been able to reach the same kind of success since his departure to Philadelphia. He is currently slashing .251/.309/.405. All 3 of these numbers are significantly lower than his career averages and even lower than his spectacular season last year. His home run, RBI and hits numbers are all significantly lower than they were at this point last season.

Tucker Barnhart, C Detroit Tigers

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Tucker Barnhart was never a star for the Reds. But, the recent injury to Tyler Stephenson has proved how vital his role was for the Reds. He is one of the best defensive catchers in the entire league and he is serviceable with a bat.

This season, his offensive numbers have been down a bit. He ranks near the bottom of the league in almost all offensive advanced stats including exit velocity, xBA, xSLG and Barrel%. One thing that he has brought to Detroit, beyond his play on the field, is his veteran leadership to the young team. Barnhart is 31 years old, making him one of the older players on the rebuilding Detroit Tigers.

Jesse Winker, OF Seattle Mariners

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Jesse Winker was one of two All-Star starters that played for the 2021 Reds last season. Much like his other departing former teammates, Winker has taken a step back with his new team. He is still fairly young and extremely talented, so expect his numbers to even back up. But as of now, he is only slashing .206/.314/.303. These are some incredibly low numbers for somebody who terrorized opposing pitchers last season.

One place that he has shined is his availability and his patience at the plate. He’s played in 59 of the Mariners’ 60 total games. In those 59 games, he is top five in the AL in walks with 35 walks so far this year. Winker will not struggle forever and when he gets hot, watch out.

Eugenio Suarez, 3B Seattle Mariners

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Eugenio Suarez struggled mightily in 2021 for the Reds. But he has taken some big steps forward in 2022. So far, he has his best batting average and on-base percentage since 2019. He ranks in the top 10 percent in the entire MLB in Barrel%. He has already clubbed 11 home runs and 12 doubles. If he can get hot, he could be on his way to hitting 25 of each this year.

The energy he brings is unmatched. He is missed in the Reds’ clubhouse.

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