Reds' recent signings suggest Cincy has little faith in power-hitting prospect

The Cincinnati Reds have recently brought two marginal players into the clubhouse. Say what you will about Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith, but neither is likely to be part of the Reds roster in 2025. Both Rosario and Smith are fine bench players, but neither is an everyday starter on a contending team.

One has to wonder if this is a desperate attempt on the part of Nick Krall and the Reds front office to contend for a playoff spot that seems all but out of reach, or is it just a PR stunt making it look as if Cincinnati is doing everything within their power to stay in the hunt over the final few weeks?

Regardless of the true motivation behind the two (somewhat) questionable moves, it's somewhat intriguing to see Rece Hinds still in the minor leagues. Few, if any, players in major league history have made such a dramatic debut that it seems rather odd we've not seen hide nor hair of Hinds since TJ Friedl returned to the Reds lineup.

Reds' recent signings suggest Cincy has little faith in power-hitting prospect Rece Hinds

There is a reason, however, that Hinds isn't on his way back up to the big leagues. In fact, it's quite literally the reason that his roster spot is nowhere close to secure. Hinds has struggled in the past, and continues to struggle now, with strikeouts.

During his time at Triple-A Louisville this season, Hinds has gone down on strikes 153 times. He's already surpassed the number of whiffs he endured in 109 games at Double-A Chattanooga in 2023. When Hinds makes contact, it's loud and the ball travels a long way. The former second-round pick has 14 homers this season. But Hinds leads the International League in strikeouts by a wide margin.

Adding Rosario and Smith to the roster are peculiar to say the least, but it speaks volumes that Hinds was not recalled. The Reds front office hasn't given up on Hinds just yet, but if he can't cut down the strikeouts, they may have no choice.

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