Cincinnati Reds positional preview vs. NL Central: second base

1. Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals

There should be no debate about who the best second baseman in the NL Central is. Kolten Wong put up phenomenal stats in 2019, earned his first Gold Glove and had a career-high in slugging percentage (.423). Along with Paul DeJong, the St. Louis Cardinals have a formidable duo up the middle of the infield.

Kolten Wong had been snubbed for a Gold Glove in the past, but finally broke through in 2019. Wong led the league in defensive runs saved among second basemen with 19, according to FanGraphs. Wong’s defense in on another level when compared to the other second basemen on this list, a big reason why he lands at No. 1.

Wong also had a productive season a plate, slashing .285/.361/.423 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs. Wong also led the league in bunt hits with 11, two more than Victor Robles of the Washington Nationals. That speed also allowed Wong to finish seventh in the NL with 24 stolen bases while only being caught four times.

Kolten Wong had his way against the Cincinnati Reds last season, hitting .377/.485/.623 with two home runs and eight RBIs. If the Reds have hopes of winning the NL Central in 2020, they’ll have to keep Wong off the base paths. A key piece to the Cardinals division title in 2019, Wong will be relied upon heavily once again in 2020.

No one knows when the 2020 season will begin, but when it does, the Reds seem to be pretty well set at second base heading into the upcoming season. Might Nick Senzel see some time at second base as well? That remains to be seen, but would likely only happen if Mike Moustakas made a trip to the injured list. Josh VanMeter and Derek Dietrich are more likely options to fill in.