Cincinnati Reds: 3 under-the-radar players who’ll make an impact in 2021

Which Reds players are flying under-the-radar during spring training?

There’s always a handful of players each year who weren’t expected to make an impact, yet somehow they find a way to break through on the big stage. The Cincinnati Reds saw Aristides Aquino break out in big way back in August in 2019. While his impact was short-lived, he definitely made an impression. Are there any such players in Goodyear this spring?

Tyler Mahle is another name that comes to mind. After being projected to start the 2020 season in the minor leagues, Mahle stepped onto the mound in place of the injured Anthony DeSclafani and was never removed from the active roster. Mahle found success in 2020 and will be a key piece of the Reds rotation heading into the upcoming season.

Lucas Sims certainly saw an uptick in playing time and production last season as well. Though he was the key piece in a trade deadline deal with the Atlanta Braves back in 2018, the 26-year-old hadn’t made much of an impact since joining the Reds until last season.

Heading into camp, Sims in competition with relievers Amir Garrett and Sean Doolittle for the closer’s job following the departure of Raisel Iglesias. Sims posted career-highs in ERA (2.45), WHIP (0.935), and ERA+ (196) in 2020. Sims possesses one of the highest spin-rates in all of baseball and will be counted upon big-time to induce outs late in games during the 2021 season.

So, which players, who are flying under the radar in camp thus far, are set to explode onto the scene and be an impact player for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021? We’ve got a few names in mind. Let’s see if you agree.

2. Sal Romano, Reds right-handed pitcher

Strange as it may seem, Sal Romano is in a very similar boat to José De León. At one time, Romano was thought to be part of the Reds rotation. However, it wasn’t injuries that kept Big Sally from reaching his potential, but rather his penchant for giving up the long ball. Romano struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark in 2019 and was eventually let go.

But, Romano was given a second chance and received an invite to spring training last season. Sitting at Prasco Park throughout the majority of the 2020 season, Romano eventually made it to the big leagues once again. Appearing in two games during the close of last season, Big Sally didn’t allow a single hit; granted he only faced four batters.

Romano may essentially be pitching for his baseball life this spring. With no minor-league options remaining, Romano has to make the team out of spring training or just like De León, the big righty will be exposed to waivers.

Sal Romano has some giddy-up on his fastball. Relying almost exclusively on a fastball/ slider combo the past two seasons, Romano has the makings of a power arm out of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen who pitches to contact. However, Romano has to show improvement this spring, and it sounds as though he’s changed his approach with the help of the Cincinnati coaching staff.

Speaking to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Romano spoke about learning that there’s more to pitching than just throwing the ball really hard. If Sal Romano is able to miss bats during Cactus League play, he could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster and be a key piece of the Reds bullpen in 2021.

3. Alex Blandino, Reds infielder

I struggled to find a position player that most fans might be sleeping on, but I think Alex Blandino has an outside chance to make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. While most folks are looking to Kyle Farmer, Dee Strange-Gordon, and Kyle Holder to be the team’s starting shortstop. don’t forget about Blandino.

While I still think that we’re likely to see a combination of Farmer and Strange-Gordon platooning at shortstop this season, that leaves an opening for the Reds utility role. Should the Reds find a true shortstop at some point this spring, then the duo of Farmer and Strange-Gordon could fill that role. If not, Blandino could fill in nicely.

Don’t forget that Alex Blandino is a former first-round pick and a versatile infielder who’s capable of playing all four positions on the infield dirt. Blandino is a solid, yet unspectacular player who, unlike Farmer and Strange-Gordon, has a keen eye at the dish.

Alex Blandino is not a power-hitter, and that’s okay. The Reds have more than enough power bats in their lineup. What they need is a couple hitters who can just get on base. That’s something that Blandino does quite well.

The 28-year-old has a career on-base percentage of .349. Farmer’s OBP is sitting at .297 for his career and Strange-Gordon has an on-base percentage of .311 over the past five seasons. Since 2018, Strange-Gordon’s OBP has dropped to .293. If the Cincinnati Reds are looking for an inexpensive shortstop who plays adequate defense and gets on base, perhaps Blandino is their guy.

Alex Blandino has one minor-league option remaining, and I expect the California native to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville. However, if the combination of Kyle Farmer and Dee Strange-Gordon are not getting the job done come June, I think we’ll see Blandino get his chance.