Cincinnati Reds: Alex Blandino could be a valuable asset in 2019

While he spent the latter half of 2018 on the disabled list, Alex Blandino is sure to play a bigger role for the Cincinnati Reds in 2019.

In 2018, Cincinnati Reds rookie Alex Blandino played seven different positions in just 69 games. He spent most of his time on the left side of the infield, but got a handful of reps at first and in the corner outfield spots. You may also remember him from July, when his single perfect inning went viral for his knuckleball.

Players like Blandino are becoming more and more valuable in baseball. Positional flexibility is no longer reserved for bench players. Stars such as Kris Bryant and potential stars like Nick Senzel aren’t just sticking to one position. Heck, even Michael Lorenzen is being considered as a two-way player.

The concept is simple. If you can play more than one position, you have a better shot at making the team and getting regular at bats. If any infielder or outfield gets injured, needs a day off, or doesn’t play for whatever reason, Blandino can play.

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The former first round pick has the potential to play wherever he is needed in 2019. He knows how to handle second and third, has decent ability at shortstop, and is athletic enough that he could play any outfield position if he needed to.

Inconsistency hurt Blandino in ’18

One of Alex Blandino’s biggest critiques last season was his lack of consistency. His .234 batting average was a product of .500 stretches followed by several games where he went hitless. He started June with a 0-for-12 streak and had a .084 average for the entire month.

What the numbers don’t tell you is that those 12 at bats took place over 12 games over a span of 19 days (June 2-20). As shown by Jesse Winker, regular at bats tend to make you a better hitter. Shocking, I know. If he never starts and only pinch hits every other game, it makes it hard to get in a groove.

If the Cincinnati Reds try to utilize Blandino more often, he’ll have a chance to show off what he can do. In 2017, he batted .270/.390/.444 over 63 games in Triple-A Louisville. A utility player with a line like that is very valuable to any team, especially one like the Reds with uncertainty in multiple positions.

Will Blanido ever become a regular in the lineup?

Is Blandino likely to ever crack the Reds lineup as a regular at any position? Probably not. Unless Blandino finds some untouched ability this off-season, he probably won’t start 162 games in 2019. Without a trade or injury, he definitely won’t be taking the spot of Eugenio Suárez, Jose Peraza, or Scooter Gennett, who are currently locked at Blandino’s natural positions.

That being said, those three also probably will not play 162 games in 2019. Injuries happen, players need a day off, and with analytics-buff David Bell taking over the reins of the dugout, there’s sure to be some defensive replacements and double switches.

Blandino will be ready and available to take any position needed, and having a viable bat off the bench makes it much safer to give players off time when they need it. Reds fans should get ready to see more of Blandino as he develops into a strong bench bat for the team next season.