Cincinnati Reds – Patrick Kivlehan shows power isn’t enough

Despite not getting regular playing time for the Cincinnati Reds, Patrick Kivlehan has shown off home run power.

Patrick Kivlehan has only started 23 games for the Cincinnati Reds this season.  He has played in 95 games total.  That means that 72 games he either entered as a pinch hitter or a defensive replacement.

In the months of June and August Kivlehan got multiple at-bats in seven games.  For both of those months, Kivlehan has had 35 at-bats.  In every other month he has gotten multiple at-bats in either five or six games.

Kivlehan has played in 95 games, but only has 147 at-bats.  In those at-bats, however, Kivlehan has eight home runs.  That projects to 32 over the course of a full season as an everyday starter.

These home runs haven’t lead to a great slugging number.  Kivlehan’s slugging percentage is .401.  That low number is cause by his low overall batting average.

Kivlehan is batting .211 with an OBP of .297.  Kivlehan has struck out 43 times to go with 16 walks.  That means that Kivlehan would be on a 200 strike out pace as an everyday starter.

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Kivlehan has also shown some good leather.  He came to the Reds as a corner infielder, but has played primarily in the outfield.  He has even played center field 11 time this season.

Despite his power, Patrick Kivlehan shouldn’t be on the Cincinati Reds after the end of the season.

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The Reds are loaded position players that need to play in the majors.  Outfielders Jesse Winker and Phillip Ervin both made their debuts this year.  Both look ready to stay in the majors.

In the infield Zach Vincej made his MLB debut on the first.  Last year’s first round pick Nick Senzel would have made his MLB debut this month as well, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos made the playoffs.  Blake Trahan and Alex Blandino are not far off either.

The Reds don’t have a need for a one swing super versatile player.

That sort of player belongs in the American League or on a team with a bunch of veterans.  Unfortunately, that sort of bench player isn’t usually worth a bunch on the open market.

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Wherever Kivlehan is playing next season, he will bring power and athletic flexibility.  Despite his advanced age for a prospect, Kivlehan looks like a player with more upside after being the Seattle Mariners’ top prospect just two years ago.  The Reds just don’t have a spot for him on their rebuilding team in 2018.