Nick Krall's "monster" label will spark buzz about this forgotten Reds slugger

Remember when Rece Hinds seemed like the greatest Cincinnati Reds slugger of all time… for about a week? In 2024, he became the first MLB player in history to have five extra-base knocks in his first two games. That was a long time ago. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall seems to think that history will repeat itself in 2026.

Krall, in an interview with Reds Hot Stove League, noted that Hinds cut his strikeout rate by 12%—from 37.9% to 25.9%—at Triple-A in 2025. Krall commented that if he can replicate that in the majors, Hinds could be a “monster.” That’s certainly true. With a lower strikeout rate, Hinds put together an eye-popping .302/.359/.563 line with Louisville last season.

The Reds may have a secret weapon if Rece Hinds duplicates his 2025 success

The projection models seem to think that Hinds can at least somewhat sustain that level of success in 2026; they show a reduction in strikeout rate at the MLB level between 4-6% from his career rate of 38.9%. Sure, striking out in one of every three plate appearances isn’t ideal, but it’s better than two of five. ZiPS, which doesn’t project playing time, suggests that Hinds could be a 20-homer guy if he is an everyday player this season.

That’s really the issue here. Will Hinds be an everyday player? He has plenty of competition in the outfield, from newcomers JJ Bleday and Dane Myers to his longtime teammates Blake Dunn and Will Benson. Hinds, though, has a skill set that differs from the rest. Or rather, at his best he blends the strengths of the aforementioned players.

Like the speedy Myers and Dunn, Hinds is quick despite his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and has stolen at least 20 bases in each of the past three seasons. He has the bat speed and power of Benson, and he has the once-promising underdog tale of Bleday.

In short, if Hinds can step up in 2026, he has the ability not only to gain a roster spot but also provide the kind of well-rounded play that would allow the Reds to focus on shoring up other areas of the team.