Chuckie Robinson's return to the Reds is a win-win deal for both sides

One of the feel-good stories from last year's disappointing season was the major league debut of Chuckie Robinson. Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the 21st round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Robinson was added to the Cincinnati Reds roster late last season.

Injuries to both Aramis Garcia and Tyler Stephenson forced the Reds to dig deep into their minor league system last season. Players like Mark Kolozsvary and Michael Papierski were regulars in David Bell's lineup for parts of the 2022 season.

Finally, the team seemed to settle on the catching duo of Robinson and Austin Romine at the end of the season. Kolozsvary, Garcia, and Papierski were all plucked off waivers after the 2022 season ended, Romine entered free agency, and Robinson was designated for assignment.

Chuckie Robinson's return strengthens the Reds catching depth.

It was announced on Monday, via Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, that Chuckie Robinson had agreed to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. This is good news, both for Robinson and the Reds.

Robinson logged eight hits in 59 at-bats last season with two home runs. That's good enough for a slash line of just .136/.136/.271. Definitely not Hall of Fame numbers, but considering the position he plays and the sample-size, it was a wise move on the part of the Cincinnati front office to bring Robinson back next spring.

The Reds will now enter Goodyear, Arizona with Tyler Stephenson as the unquestioned starting catcher with Luke Maile as his backup. Maile signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason. Robinson will be fighting for a roster spot, but that's nothing new for the University of Southern Mississippi alum.

Robinson was in the minors for six seasons before receiving the call last summer. During that span, the Illinois native hit .251/.317/.393. Last year, while splitting time between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, Robinson slashed .266/.320/.399.

This is a depth signing, pure and simple, but it's one that needed to happen. Chuckie Robinson's teammates raved about his positive demeanor, and the soon-to-be 28-year-old approaches the game with the type of blue-collar attitude that fans throughout Reds Country love. This is a win-win.