Cincinnati Reds have the talent to succeed offensively

The Cincinnati Reds have a good collection of under-rated offensive players spread throughout their big league roster.

Despite having ups and downs throughout the season offensively, the Cincinnati Reds have the talent to compete offensively.  Their pitching lacks a rotation that is competitive at the big league level, but the offensive players are competent to be sure.  They have power, speed and on-base ability in Cincinnati.

Zack Cozart has led the offense this season and could be gone any day now.  He leads all active starting MLB shortstops in batting average and OBP.  As a pending free agent, the Reds will need to replace his offense for next year.  His quad injury is the only reason that he is not with the Boston Red Sox right now.

Of course the heart and soul of the offense and the entire team is perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto.  Votto is tied for second in OBP in the National League and is third in home runs behind Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins and Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Votto also ranks third in OPS in all of MLB.

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Second base has become a source of strength thanks to waiver wire pick-up Scooter Gennett.  He is second in the NL among second basemen in home runs, trailing only Daniel Murphy of the Washington Nationals.  This includes the game in which Gennett hit a Reds’ record four home runs.

The Cincinnati Reds have a couple of other high spots among their offensive stars around which they can build.

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A big sigh of relief comes from Great American Ballpark every time left fielder Adam Duvall hits another home run or makes another great throw. After making the All-Star team last year, he is trying to do even better this season.  Duvall trails Marcell Ozuna of the Marlins in home runs by only one among NL left fielders right now.

Aside from the Gennett, the largest offensive surprise may be the play of catcher Tucker Barnhart.  Barnhart is solidly above average in OBP, doubles, and walks.  He also has a fair number of hits, despite batting in the eight spot in the line-up.

The final strong net positive hitter is third baseman Eugenio Suarez.  The Reds got him in exchange for Alfredo Simon two off-seasons ago and he ranks sixth in home runs among third basemen so far this season in the NL.  He also ranks ninth in MLB among third basemen in OBP.

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So the Reds will need to replace Cozart and find two outfielders in preparation for next season.  Maybe those players are on the roster or in the minors.  Maybe the Reds need to go out and get them, but at least the talent is there to build around in this rebuild.