Grading Tyler Stephenson's injury-plagued 2022 season with the Reds

It's going to be hard to put a grade on Tyler Stephenson's sophomore campaign, primarily because the Cincinnati Reds catcher was sidelined with injuries throughout the 2022 season.

Stephenson suffered a concussion, broken thumb, and broken clavicle in 2022. The Reds backstop was battered and bruised this past season and has some throughout the fanbase concerned about his future.

While some folks throughout Reds Country want to see Stephenson move from behind the plate to first base, that doesn't seem to be in the cards heading into next season. But let's hit the pause button on he future for a moment and put a grade on Stephenson's 2022 season.

Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson suffered through an injury-plagued season.

After watching Tucker Barnhart traded during the offseason, Tyler Stephenson knew that he was QB1 heading into the 2022 season. The second-year player was lauded by the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff, and Stephenson's defense seemed much improved from his rookie season.

After gunning down 19% of would-be base stealers in 2021, Stephenson threw out 27% of opposing runners who were trying to swipe a bag. After allowing seven passed last season, Stephenson allowed just two balls to allude his glove in 2022, albeit in about the half the number of games played.

At the dish is where Stephenson excels. The 26-year-old hit .319/.372/.482 and racked up six home runs and 35 RBIs in just 166 at-bats during the 2022 season. One has to assume that had Stephenson been healthy, he'd have been selected to the All-Star Game.

Honestly, the only flaw in Tyler Stephenson's 2022 campaign was his inability to stay healthy. It'll be something to watch going forward, but without a suitable replacement in the farm system, the Cincinnati faithful should expect Ty Steve behind the dish on Opening Day next season.

Reds C Tyler Stephenson's final grade for the 2022 season: A-