Cincinnati Reds: Josh VanMeter may be the answer at second base

With Scooter Gennett’s time as the Cincinnati Reds second basemen likely coming to end, Josh VanMeter should get a shot to take over the position.

Before the season, many fans clamored for the Cincinnati Reds to sign Scooter Gennett to an extension, but the groin injury that cost him half the season and his struggles at the plate make is increasingly unlikely that Scooter will be back next year. Could Josh VanMeter replace the former All-Star in the Reds lineup?

Many fans thought, as did I, that Nick Senzel was only in center field for one season and would shift to second base next season. However, Senzel has really started to adjust to his new position and may be the best option at the position for the Reds going forward.

Utility players Derek Dietrich, José Peraza, and Kyle Farmer have started their fair share of games at second base but, aside from maybe Peraza, none of those player look like starters going forward at the position.

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Peraza looks like the best option as the starting shortstop going into next season if the Reds do not sign José Iglesias to an extension. The former Detroit Tiger is set to become a free agent after the 2019 season. If Iglesias does not return, Peraza will probably take over at shortstop.

Josh VanMeter was never considered a top prospect, but burst onto the scene and started to get attention for his power displayed during the month of April at Triple-A Louisville this season.In 64 at-bats with the Bats this season, VanMeter has hit .348 with 14 home runs and has 43 RBIs with a .429 on-base percentage.

VanMeter is slashing .297/.392/.500 in 64 at-bats since making two different stints with the big league club. Despite the small sample size, I tend to see a lot of potential in VanMeter. His plate discipline looks solid. VanMeter can work the count and put a pretty good at bat on the opposition. In fact, he has drawn 8 walks in 74 plate appearances.

The more playing time VanMeter receives, the more he impresses. Look no further than this past week against the Cardinals and Brewers where he hit two home runs, including the game-winning homer into the bullpen in right field against St. Louis. That was VanMeter’s first big league round tripper.

Josh VanMeter deserves an extended look as a starter in the majors. He has done all he can at Triple-A and now needs playing time with the Reds to determine his future role in the majors. With so much uncertainty going forward, VanMeter could be the answer at second base or even find a home in the outfield. Regardless, his bat needs to be in the lineup.