3 Cincinnati Reds who are poised to overachieve in 2022

2. Max Schrock, Cincinnati Reds infielder

I like to think of Max Schrock as the left-handed hitting version of Kyle Farmer. The 27-year-old finally broke through last season and found pockets of playing time, even garnering a few starts in left field down the stretch. Schrock is not flashy, but he's a steady presence in the Cincinnati Reds lineup and could find multiple opportunities to shine in 2022.

Schrock is a utility player, and shouldn't be counted on as a full-time starter at any position on the field. But the same could have been said about Farmer heading into the 2021 season. The former backstop turned shortstop put up career marks in home runs, RBIs, and OPS last season.

I think we could see similar results from Schrock in 2022. He'll be viewed as a left-handed bench bat once spring training begins, and the former 13th-round pick may find his way into the starting lineup on occasion; filling in for Eugenio Suárez at third base or giving Joey Votto a day off at first base.

Max Schrock played in just 11 games for the St. Louis Cardinals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but made 53 appearances for the Cincinnati Reds last season while posting a wRC+ of 100 and a .776 OPS. Those numbers are actually better than we saw from Farmer in 2021.

If his role is expanded, I believe we'll see Schrock step up to challenge. Schrock saw time at both corner outfield and corner infield spots last season and logged 47 innings at second base as well. His defensive versatility will give Schrock opportunities to succeed, but it's up to him to make the most of them.