Carter Graham's Arizona Fall League role fits the Reds' bigger plan

The Cincinnati Reds could use help at practically every field position, but the areas most in need of improvement offensively are the outfield and third base. Luckily, Carter Graham, the breakout star of Cincinnati’s farm system in 2026, is spending this fall becoming a jack of all trades in the Arizona Fall League. It’s possible that this development, more than any offseason signing or trade, could change the Reds’ fortunes next year.

Graham, who turned 25 this week, has spent much of this long road to the majors honing his skills at first base. In six seasons between college and the Minors, he has spent 1,400-plus innings manning first.

Unfortunately for him, that is one of few spots on the Reds’ roster that is etched in stone. Sal Stewart isn’t going anywhere (except perhaps across the diamond), so Graham is down in Peoria with an outfielder’s and third baseman’s glove.

Carter Graham’s growing versatility may be the key to the Reds’ success next season

So far, Graham hasn’t played a single inning at first base in the AFL. He’s a brawny player, but he has enough athleticism and pop to turn into a successful corner infield/outfield presence. That’s exactly how Peoria is using him in left field and at third. Given the focus is on his skill-building on defense, his 1-for-15 performance at the plate shouldn’t cause too much concern.

In fact, there are other batting stats that are downright encouraging. Graham didn’t have much of a philosophy at the plate in his first few years in the minors. His tendency to swing freely led to a high strikeout rate and low walk rate even in the lower levels, but this year, things have changed.

Between High-A and Double-A, Graham posted a 14.5% walk rate and a .421 on-base percentage. That work continues to pay off in the AFL, where, despite only having one hit, he has a .333 OBP and four runs scored.

If Graham can prove to the Reds that he can be serviceable at the corners, he may find his way to the majors before we know it. He will certainly be added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft, making a promotion even easier for Cincinnati. Nick Krall has expressed a desire to shore up the roster and lean into versatility. Graham seems to be molding himself into exactly that type of player.

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