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Cincinnati Reds: Three shortstops who could backup up Freddy Galvis

By Drew Koch

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Jordy Mercer #7 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees as he tries to steal second in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Jordy Mercer #7 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees as he tries to steal second in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Adeiny Hechavarría
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Adeiny Hechavarria #24 of the Atlanta Braves rounds first base after hitting a solo homer in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on September 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Adeiny Hechavarría

Given the way he closed the 2019 season, it’s a bit surprising that Adeiny Hechavarría has yet to latch on with a squad. The 30-year-old from Cuba spent most of last season with the New York Mets before finding a home in Atlanta to finish the season. In 60 games with the Mets, Hechavarría hit just .204, but turned up the offense once landing with the Braves.

After New York acquired Joe Panik, Hechavarría became expendable and was released. After Dansby Swanson went down with an injury, Atlanta needed a shortstop and signed Hechavarría. After joining the Braves, Hechavarría’s bat woke up. The right-handed hitting Hechavarría slashed .328/.400/.639 in 24 games with Atlanta.

Related Story. Ozuna and Castellanos are unlikely to join the Reds

Adeiny Hechavarría has not been a huge run producer throughout his career and has yet to eclipse 100 games over the past three seasons. But, with Galvis as the primary shortstop, barring injury, Hechavarría wouldn’t be counted on to make more than a handful of starts. According to FanGraphs, Hechavarría has 20 defensive runs saved over his eight-year career.

Will Hechavarría be an All-Star in 2020? That’s highly unlikely. But, he could add depth to a position that’s very thin in terms of big league talent. Blandino and Farmer are both capable of playing the position, but the Reds best shortstop prospect (Jose Garcia) is still a few years away. Hechavarría could be a nice veteran presence on next year’s team.

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