Ranking the Reds in-house replacements for Jesse Winker in left field

1. Reds outfielder Jake Fraley could replace Jesse Winker in LF.

Strange as it may seem, it would appear that one of players included in the Cincinnati Reds' trade with the Seattle Mariners is the most likely candidate to supplant Jesse Winker in left field. Jake Fraley, who was one of the four players included in Monday's deal, has a good mix of speed and power and currently the Reds Opening Day starter in left field.

Fraley, much like Winker, can flat out hit versus right-handed pitchers. Against lefties, however, it's a completely different story. In 2021, Fraley slashed just .169/.306/.225 versus left-handed pitchers, but versus right-handers the 26-year-old had an OPS of .815 last season.

Where Jake Fraley would be a massive upgrade over Jesse Winker is on the defensive side of the ball. Fraley, much like the aforementioned TJ Friedl, has crazy-good speed. His ability to track down balls may find Fraley spending some time in center field as well. Fraley was worth 5 defensive runs saved in left field last season.

Let's be honest, no one in the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse is going to replace what Jesse Winker brought to the table. His leadership was unquestioned, his excitement for the game was contagious, and his love for the fans in Cincinnati was undeniable.

But, as it stands, Winker is now a Seattle Mariner and the Reds need to find a replacement. I would strongly suggest that Nick Krall and Co. take a good look at a right-handed bat on the free agent market, as the current makeup of the Reds roster is very dependent on left-handed hitters (Joey Votto, Mike Moustakas, and Tyler Naquin).