Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the top 10 hitters of the decade (2010-2019)

9. Zack Cozart, Shortstop (2011-2017)

A more reasonable name comes in a No. 9. Zack Cozart spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds before signing a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels following his All-Star season of 2017. Cozart was the Reds most consistent shortstop of the decade, but injuries limited his impact nearly every season of his Cincinnati career.

After Barry Larkin‘s retirement following the 2004 season, the Reds struggled to find a consistent shortstop to take over for the Hall of the Famer. Felipe Lopez, Alex Gonzalez, Paul Janish, and Orlando Cabrera all had failed attempts over the years to fill Larkin’s massive shoes. While Cozart fell short as well, he was the only shortstop to display some consistent work with the bat.

During his seven-year run with Cincinnati, Cozart hit .254 with 82 home runs and 280 RBIs. Cozart’s best season came during 2017. The Tennessee native slashed .297/.385/.548 with 24 doubles, 24 home runs, and 63 RBIs. His All-Star campaign earned him the gift of a donkey from teammate Joey Votto.

The 2017 season was a banner year for the shortstop, but like many seasons before it, Cozart spent a considerable amount of time on the disabled list. Only twice during his seven seasons in Cincinnati did Zack Cozart surpass 140 games played. Had it not been for injuries, Cozart likely would’ve found his name higher on this list.