Cincinnati Reds: Alex Blandino will suffice as a reserve infielder

Are we sleeping on Alex Blandino’s ability to make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster? The infielder may be better than we think.

Several fans, myself included have kind of scoffed at the idea of Alex Blandino making the Cincinnati Reds 26-man roster out of spring training. But are we being too critical of the 27-year-old infielder? Blandino’s numbers suggest he’s better than fans may realize.

Reds fans have been a bit overly critical this offseason. Despite the offseason additions of Shogo Akiyama, Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas and Wade Miley, some folks throughout Reds Country still want more. Six straight years of losing is enough to make any Reds fan come across as a bit ornery.

One of the targets of Reds Country’s ire of late has been utility infielder Alex Blandino. Fans have been teased with the idea of Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager, leading to the idea that every position must be manned by a former All-Star. While Blandino won’t be confused for either of those players mentioned, he’s a solid backup with a legitimate chance to make the roster.

Blandino played 69 games for the Cincinnati Reds during his rookie season of 2018 before being helped off the field on July 20th following a collision at second base. Blandino had his legs taken out from under him while trying to turn a double-play and ended up requiring surgery for a torn ACL.

Blandino went on the 60-day injured list and did not return to action until June of last year. Blandino’s rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville offered a glimpse of what Blandino is capable of, as he put up a slash line of .318/.464/.591 in seven games. Following the rehab assignment, Blandino was reinstated to the 40-man roster and then optioned to Louisville.

Alex Blandino finished his minor-league stint slashing .247/.386/.372 with 13 doubles, 5 home runs and 24 RBIs in 293 plate appearances. Blandino received a call-up in September and put up even better numbers with a slash line of .250/.420/.361 in 50 plate appearances. Blandino also saw time art first, second and third base.

With the offseason injury to Eugenio Suárez and lack of depth behind Freddy Galvis at shortstop, Blandino has a real shot to make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Blandino is not an elite fielder, but according to FanGraphs, the California native is more than capable of holding down an infield position with a career DRS of 3.

I think a lot of the criticism associated with Alex Blandino is the same criticism that Reds Country has heaped onto the shoulders of Galvis. Fans see the potential of this team to win the NL Central, and any player who doesn’t have All-Star potential is dismissed. So long as Blandino is used in a reserve role and not as a starter, the Reds will be just fine.