Ranking the Reds top 10 rookie performers from the 2023 season

6. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds rookie infielder

The Cincinnati Reds picked the right time to finally find a replacement for Joey Votto. After years of searching for a potential successor for the future Hall of Famer, the Reds seem to have a good one in Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

One of two rookies who were part of last year's trade with the Minnesota Twins, Encarnacion-Strand is an absolute monster. The Reds infielder may well crush 35-plus home runs every season, especially playing half his games at Great American Ball Park.

There are flaws to his game to be sure, but there might not be a more intimidating presnece in the batters' box for the Cincinnati Reds than Encarnacion-Strand. the 23-year-old, in just over 60 games, recorded 113 OPS+ and clobbered 13 home runs. Over a 162-game season, that would equate to 33 round trippers.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is that middle-of-the-order power-bat that so many Reds fans want to see the Cincinnati Reds acquire during the offseason. Don't worry, Reds Country they've already got one. Encarnacion-Strand is going to be a problem for opposing pitchers.