Reds: Asdrubal Cabrera won’t push Eugenio Suarez further down bench

Let’s not overreact to the addition of Asdrubal Cabrera. The veteran infielder will provide the Cincinnati Reds with a switch-hitting bench bat who’s capable of playing first and third base on occasion. But don’t expect to see Cabrera getting many starts, and don’t expect him to leapfrog Eugenio Suarez on the depth chart.

The addition of Cabrera is the type of move playoff-contending teams make; so I love the pick up. But, while third base has been a veritable blackhole for Cincinnati this season, don’t expect Cabrera to take time away from Suarez.

Cabrera is a two-time All-Star, former Silver Slugger, and won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. His career 105 OPS+ will be a welcome addition. However, this season, Cabrera has hit just .244/.324/.392 with seven home runs and 40 RBIs during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Reds added Asdrubal Cabrera to be a contributor off the bench.

Reds’ manager David Bell already has a conundrum on his hand as he tries to divvy up playing up between Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez. The development of Jonathan India and the impressive play of Kyle Farmer at shortstop has caused a logjam at third base.

When Moose was shelved with a heel contusion and later plater fasciitis, Suarez got the lion’s share of starts at third base. The 2021 season has not gone well for Geno who’s hitting just .172/.258/.369. Suarez has 23 long balls on the season, but has also amassed 146 strikeouts.

With Moustakas now back from his stint on the injured list, Bell has been attempting to find a happy medium that allows both Moose and Geno to find time playing third base. Initially, Bell took the position of platooning the two third baseman based on the pitching matchup.

The problem with that strategy is that Suarez has actually performed worse against left-handed pitchers this season than he has against right-handed pitchers. With Moose seemingly rounding into form, I think we’ll see less and less of a 50/50 split between he and Suarez.

Adding Asdrubal Cabrera is a fantastic pickup for Cincinnati. With the waiver claim coming before September 1st, Cabrera will be eligible to be on the Reds playoff roster should the team secure a spot in the postseason.

Look for Cabrera to start a handful of games at first and third over the remaining month-plus of the season, but more than anything, expect to see the 35-year-old bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse and an impact bat off the bench. Bell has been loyal to Suarez this season, almost to a fault, but I don’t expect that to change with Cabrera now on the roster.