Reds: Max Schrock is the left-handed version of Kyle Farmer

Most fans, myself included, didn’t think much about the waiver claim the Cincinnati Reds made on February 10th. The front office brought in Max Schrock from the Chicago Cubs, and after posting a .440/.500/.560 slash line in spring training, the 26-year-old nearly made the Opening Day roster out of spring training.

Schrock has had limited success at the minor league level in the past, spending the 2018 and 2019 season with the Memphis Redbirds while part of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Schrock, however, seems to be carving out a role with the Reds this season, and his past two starts in left field reveal what David Bell and the Reds’ coaching staff think about his potential.

Now, I’m not suggesting that Schrock will be the next rags to riches story, going from obscure minor league player to MLB superstar. But, there is a spot for Schrock on this year’s roster and depending on what moves the team makes in the offseason, the former South Carolina Gamecock could find a key role in Cincinnati next season as well.

Max Schrock could be a key contributor for the Reds in 2022.

In limited action this season, Max Schrock is hitting .320/.382/.560 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Schrock recorded a five-hit game back on August 1st versus the New York Mets when he filled in for Joey Votto at first base.

Schrock’s defensive versatility may be his best attribute. The Washington native has seen time at first, second, and third base as well as both corner outfield spots. Schrock has started 10 of the 25 games he’s appeared in this season.

Heading into next season, one would assume that Joey Votto and Jonathan India are assured spots in the starting lineup. While it’s sure to be a battle in spring training, we’re likely to see Jose Barrero anointed as the team’s starting shortstop in 2022 and Kyle Farmer will likely return to his role as Cincinnati’s top utility player.

Schrock has the ability to be the left-handed version of Farmer. A former catcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization, Farmer found favor with Bell this season and his above-average play has helped elevate the former Georgia Bulldog into the Reds starting shortstop.

Schrock, similar to what we saw from Farmer during his first two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, is carving out a role for himself this season, and will likely be in the mix next spring to break camp with the team.

Schrock has two minor league options remaining, something that the front office will see as very valuable when constructing the roster for next year. Schrock has the opportunity to stick with the team over the last month of the season, and may find himself in the mix for one of the final spots on next year’s Opening Day roster.