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.

5. Jason Kipnis, Chicago Cubs

As best as we can guess, Jason Kipnis, in all likelihood, will be the Chicago Cubs starting second baseman when the 2020 season begins. Kipnis, who’s played the past nine seasons with the Cleveland Indians, signed a contract with a non-roster invite to spring training with the Cubbies. However, he’s not alone for the starting job at second base.

Daniel Descalso, who had his share of success playing second base in 2019, is still on the 40-man roster. Descalso saw 45 games at second base, but a Derek Dietrich-like plunge following a solid start to the season, found him playing very little after April. Descalso hit .098 after May 1st.

David Bote is another option to play second base, as is Ian Happ. However, regardless of who suits up to play position for the Cubs, the other teams in the division have far superior options. That could change, however, if Nico Horner develops like Cubs fans hope, Chicago’s second baseman could climb up this list.

4. Adam Frazier

Adam Frazier‘s 2019 campaign was solid. The left-handed hitter had career-highs in games played (152), doubles (33) and triples (7), all while cementing his place as the Pittsburgh Pirates starting second baseman. After back-to-back seasons of bouncing between the infield and the outfield, Frazier has a home at second base.

Frazier ranked second among all National League second basemen in 2019 with a .989 fielding percentage. However, according to FanGraphs, Frazier had -1 defensive runs saved in 2019. That said, Frazier was still nominated for a Gold Glove last season.

3. Keston Hiura, Milwaukee Brewers

After making his rookie debut on May 14, 2019, a full season of big league ball could get the entire  baseball world talking about Keston Hiura. A former top prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, Hiura finally got his chance to showcase his talents last season and did not disappoint.

Keston Hiura has the potential to be the best hitting second baseman in the National League Central. The 23-year-old Hiura will be a force in the Brewers lineup for years to come, but his defense is questionable at best. In just 84 games last season, Hiura led all major league second basemen with 16 errors.

2. Mike Moustakas, Cincinnati Reds

Mike Moustakas has historically been a third baseman throughout his entire major league career. The Cincinnati Reds prized free agent acquisition was signed to a four-year/$64M contract with the idea in mind to play second base. Given Eugenio Suárez’s standing with the team, that’s not surprising. Can Moose make the transition to a full-time second baseman?

That’s the million-dollar question that Reds fans want answers to. Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to find that out until the season begins. The Milwaukee Brewers had plans for Moustakas to play second base last season, but Travis Shaw‘s offensive implosion forced Moose back to third base after just 40 starts at second base.

Moustakas comes in at No. 2 on the list, as his bat does most of the talking. Given that the Cincinnati Reds were comfortable with the services of Scooter Gennett manning second base for the past two seasons, the front office has to feel good about Moustakas who’s been an average defender throughout his career.