Blog Red Machine
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Cincinnati Reds
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 08: Jordy Mercer #7 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals during a MLB game at Comerica Park on August 8, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Kansas City 10-8. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

2. Jordy Mercer

Speaking of a nice veteran presence, Jordy Mercer would certainly add that to next year’s Cincinnati Reds squad. Mercer spent last season in Detroit after a seven-year career with the Reds division rival, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mercer suffered an injury-riddled 2019, but could be in line for a bounce back season in 2020.

Mercer was a solid, yet unspectacular player for the Pirates from 2012-2018. He was a steady presence for the Buccos. Mercer was replaced by youngster Kevin Newman last season and found a home in the Motor City. Unfortunately, injuries plagued the early part of the 2019 season, and Mercer didn’t find regular playing until July.

Mercer tore up opposing pitching over the final two months of the season. The right-handed hitting Mercer slashed .325/.356/.516 in August and September. Mercer, unlike Freddy Galvis and José Iglesias, is not an elite-level defender. According to FanGraphs, Mercer’s recorded -9 DRS the past two seasons.

Jordy Mercer could be a fantastic offensive option to back up Galvis at shortstop. Mercer played all four infield positions for the Detroit Tigers last season, and could fill a similar role for the Cincinnati Reds in 2020. Mercer hasn’t had the most success while playing at Great American Ball Park, but maybe that could change if he dons a different colored jersey.

Home/Reds News