Reds fans' most coveted offseason target was already in the organization

What was the one thing that every single Reds fan wanted to see the front office do this offseason? Sign a right-handed hitting power-bat (preferably an outfielder). Well, as it turns out, the Cincinnati Reds had that player in their organization all along.

Rece Hinds has exploded on scene after a tremendous showing during the first three games of his major league career. The former second-round pick cracked two massive home runs during his first two games, and has four additional hits since his call-up — three of which when for extra bases.

Reds fans were clamoring all offseason for Cincinnati to invest in a power-bat. Reds Country had dreams of Cincinnati signing free agents like Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., or even Cody Bellinger. As it turns out, that wasn't necessary.

Rece Hinds is that right-handed hitting power-bat Reds fans were seeking

Now, does that mean that Hinds is going to turn into the middle-of-the-order masher like an Aaron Judge, Rafael Devers, or Kyle Tucker? Let's not put the cart before the horse — Hinds has just three major league games under his belt and his minor league track record suggests that the 23-year-old will struggle with pitches outside the strike zone. Hinds struck out almost 35% of the time during his minor league career.

But there's no denying the unmatched power that Hinds possesses. According to Baseball Savant, Hinds' bat speed is already among the top 20 in the game, ahead of the likes of All-Stars Yordan Alvarez, Gunnar Henderson, and Julio Rodriguez. If Hinds is able to keep his strikeout rate at or below 30% (which is still a lot), his power will still see him in the lineup on a regular basis.

Hinds is also more than just a power-hitter. The rookie has a tremendous arm from right field and plenty of speed on the base paths. There are many Reds fans that automatically want to compare him to Aristides Aquino, but if Hinds can refine his approach at the plate, the sky is the limit for this young slugger.

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