Cincinnati Reds: Three unexpected impact players in 2020 season

Some unexpected impact players are sure to emerge from the Reds roster.

The 2020 Cincinnati Reds team is loaded with talented bats and starting pitching. Reds ownership and the front office landed some big names during the offseason who are sure to pay dividends in 2020. However, it’s the unexpected impact from players that may be what’s need to put Cincinnati into the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

The Reds spent heavily during the offseason. Cincinnati made a splash by signing Mike Moustakas to a four-year/$64M contract. The front office followed that up by signing left-handed starter Wade Miley and Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama. The Reds closed out the offseason by signing reliever Pedro Strop and snagging outfielder Nick Castellanos.

All five of the aforementioned players are expected to produce for the Reds this coming season. Moustakas will be Cincinnati’s starting second baseman, Miley will be the team’s No. 4 starter, Strop will be counted on early and often out of the bullpen, and Akiyama and Castellanos will be regulars in David Bell’s lineup.

But what about those players who don’t get all the love? Sure, we expect Eugenio Suárez to mash balls over the left field wall at Great American Ball Park, Luis Castillo is sure to dazzle with the best changeup in baseball, and even Nick Senzel will likely improve upon his rookie year. But who might emerge from the shadows and enter the spotlight? Let’s take a look.