Cincinnati Reds’ Scooter Gennett has earned second base nod for 2018

When the Cincinnati Reds claimed Scooter Gennett off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, they couldn’t have expected this.

Scooter Gennett averaged nine home runs before joining the Cincinnati Reds.  He had that many in June alone.  Now Gennett has put himself in position to be the Opening Day starter at second base in 2018.

Entering the 2017 season, Gennett had 35 career home runs.  He is on pace to just barely reach that number this year.  No one would have predicted that number for a supposed bench player.

More than just shear home run power, Gennett is on pace for his best slugging, and OPS career of his season.  His slugging percentage is 50 points higher than his previous career best.  His OPS is 35 points higher.

Gennett has been playing everyday for a good portion of the season.  When he plays his next game he will pass the number of games he played in 2015 for the Milwaukee Brewers.  That will leave just 2014 and 2016 as years in which he has played more games.

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Gennett has also shown more versatility this season.  He has started games at second, third, left and right.  Prior to this season, Gennett had only played second and right in his MLB career.

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Scooter Gennett has done what others before him couldn’t do for the Cincinnati Reds, play a complete second base.

Jose Peraza got the first shot.  He was supposed to be biding his time until he became the starting shortstop for the Reds.  Instead, his offensive skills are under scrutiny.

The Reds brought in Dilson Herrera from the New York Mets to become the second baseman of the future.  He hasn’t stayed healthy since he arrived.

He only started 49 games at second base for Triple-A Louisville this season.

The Reds traded the franchise’s second best second baseman to make room for the duo and neither took the reins.  Phillips is having a resurgent year, even flashing some leather at third base for the Atlanta Braves.  He isn’t Gennett good, but he is batting .291.

The Reds also have former top prospect Alex Blandino finally finding his footing at Triple-A.  He was subpar defensively and inconsistent offensively.  Since filling in for the injured Herrera, he appears ready to be a big leaguer.

Next: What does a perfect 2018 spring look like?

Of course, nothing can catch Gennett and his four homer game.  He is fourth in the majors and first in the National League in home runs for second basemen.  If that doesn’t get him an Opening Day start year, I don’t know what will.