Who were the 3 most underrated players from the Cincinnati Reds 2021 season

3. Tyler Naquin, Cincinnati Reds outfielder

Lost in the shuffle of the All-Star seasons from Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker was the performance of fellow outfielder Tyler Naquin. The former Cleveland star was signed last offseason to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.

Naquin skillset combined with a strong showing last spring helped the left-handed slugger earn a spot on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. An injury to Nick Senzel during the first game of the season saw Naquin thrust into action very quickly.

During his first 27 ABs, Naquin had seven hits, five of which cleared the fence. Naquin posted 14 RBIs in his first seven games for the Reds. Naquin eventually supplanted Senzel in center field and was able to start in place of both Winker and Castellanos when the outfielders were injured or needed a day off.

Naquin eventually succumbed to an injury of his own after colliding with rookie infielder Jose Barrero. The injury ended Naquin's season prematurely, but the 30-year-old had already set career-highs in games played, plate appearances, home runs, and RBIs.

All three players had a significant role in the Cincinnati Reds pursuit of a playoff spot in 2021 and the trio is slated to return in 2022. That said, Sonny Gray has been the subject of many trade rumors already this season and could be dealt once the lockout is over.