Cincinnati Reds: Derek Dietrich is going to make a huge impact

As the roster is finalized for Opening Day and the days draw closer, it’s becoming clear who we will see at Great American Ballpark on March 28th. Derek Dietrich may have earned himself a spot on the 25-man roster for the Reds.

In an offseason that saw the Cincinnati Reds open their wallets (and eyes) to the available talent around them, GM Nick Krall and President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams showed this team is done with complacency. Acquiring names such as Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Sonny Gray, and Tanner Roark to name a few, the mantra isn’t still rebuilding in the Queen City.

While the big names certainly drive ticket sales and make the roster competitive, it’s the smaller acquisitions that have made this team well-rounded at the plate and in the field. With players trying to make last impressions for future roster consideration, it’s looking slim for a few fan favorites who have major league experience.

Phillip Ervin and Kyle Farmer are just two of the popular young players who could see themselves looking from the outside. Both are facing crowded positions and will be key to providing depth should an injury arise. Not all minor league invites though could be missing out, and a few could see themselves on the roster coming off the bench.

Bittersweet Ending in South Beach

One huge acquisition the team made that cost them nothing was signing established veteran Derek Dietrich to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. While not the outgoing athlete that some of the roster has, Dietrich has quietly been a huge part of the Miami Marlins since coming to the league in 2013.

Coming off a 2018 in which he had a career offensive year, his at-bats (499) and games played (149) showed consistency and he was able to stay healthy, as he was only be on the disabled list for a short time. His 16 home runs, 45 RBI, and .265 batting average weren’t enough to save the Marlins disappointing season and he was designated for assignment. Seven days later he elected to explore free agency.

While Marlins Park certainly affects those numbers, Dietrich proved significantly better on the road. In a hitter-friendly park like Great American, you can’t help but expect those numbers to increase dramatically. What makes Dietrich so valuable to this team is his versatility to play multiple positions. Similar to the role Phil Gosselin and Cliff Pennington had last season, Dietrich can cover the entire infield and is valuable depth.

As an established player, his offense would be an upgrade from the bench last season. Having that versatility and consistency allows any of the starting infield to rest and prevent injury, something the Cincinnati Reds have trouble avoiding. In a season that is expected to be a competitive one, his role will be crucial to providing a spark off the bench at any position.

Eager for Redemption

Giving first year manager David Bell the ability to use Deitrich’s talents gives him an edge to secure a bench role heading into Opening Day. Eager to show he was no fluke on a struggling Marlins team, he’s making the most of his opportunities. After homering off of Seattle Mariners young stud Yusei Kikuchi Thursday night, it’s all coming to fruition for a guy who is eager to contribute in his new opportunity.

Also known for his ability to get hit by pitches, Dietrich gives you everything at the plate in more ways than one. His biggest improvement has to be plate discipline following 140 strikeouts last season. So far in Arizona with only 5 K’s in his 20 at-bats, Dietrich is making it hard to leave him off the roster.

With the chance to make $2 million should he secure a spot, the Cincinnati Reds also have control of his contract past this season making him a low risk-high reward situation. Why should he make the team you ask? Aside from his drive to capitalize on this new opportunity, providing depth and experience off the bench is crucial to compete in a deep NL Central division.