Cincinnati Reds positional preview vs. NL Central: second base

The Cincinnati Reds added a talented second baseman in free agency this offseason. Where do the Reds rank among the other second basemen in the division?

While not as dominated by All-Star caliber players as first base, the National League Central is home to some very formidable second basemen, especially defensive-minded second basemen. Last year’s Gold Glove winner called the NL Central home. How does the Cincinnati Reds starting second baseman stack up against the division rivals?

Heading into 2019, the Cincinnati Reds seemed to have an edge over most teams in the division with Scooter Gennett, fresh off an All-Star season, as the team’s starting second baseman. A severe groin injury shelved Gennett for several weeks and saw him replaced on the Opening Day roster by Jose Peraza.

Peraza struggled mightily to start the 2019 season and was eventually replaced by non-roster invitee turned Superman, Derek Dietrich. The former Miami Marlins utility player earned a starting spot in the Reds infield, blasting home runs at an unbelievable pace during the early-part of the 2019 season.

Dietrich’s bat quickly cooled off and the Reds replaced him with the likes of Josh VanMeter, Kyle Farmer and Freddy Galvis. To say that Cincinnati’s situation at second base was a revolving door would be a massive understatement.

Heading into 2020, it looks as though Cincinnati has shored up the position. However, is the Reds free agent upgrade at the position enough to put the team No. 1 on a list ranking the best second basemen in the National League Central? Let’s check it out.