The Reds should sign Stephen Vogt to replace Tucker Barnhart

The Cincinnati Reds have made some shocking moves already this offseason; one of which being the trade of Tucker Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers.

Barnhart, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, was arguably is one of the best defensive catchers in the league.

Barnhart's lack of hitting combined with the ascension of Tyler Stephenson made the veteran expendable.

The Reds should sign Stephen Vogt.

The Reds, however, will have to find a replacement for Barnhart. Free agent backstop Stephen Vogt, drafted by the Rays in 2007, could be a nice candidate to replace Barnhart as the Reds backup catcher in 2022.

Vogt spent just one season in Tampa before heading out west to the Bay Area. In 5 seasons with the Oakland Athletics, Vogt he hit .255 with 49 home runs and 198 RBIs while being selected to two All-Star Games.

Over his nine-year career, Stephen Vogt has a .244 batting average with 75 home runs and 290 RBIs.

Now those numbers aren't great but Vogt hasn't received many at bats the last two seasons.

Vogt does most of his damage against right-handed pitching, as he has a career total of 68 home runs and 204 RBIs.

Batting against lefties, however, Vogt is a .221 batter with just seven round trippers and 56 RBIs.

Stephen Vogt is an underrated receiver with a .997 fielding percentage. The 37-year-old is also above-average with the all important pitch framing as well.

The Reds are not shy about bringing in savvy veterans to help mentor the young talent. Some recent examples would be Wade Miley, Jared Hughes, and Derek Dietrich.

Stephen Vogt isn't going to command much on the open market. After undergoing sports hernia surgery, a minor-league contract might be enough to lure Vogt to Cincinnati.

The injury isn't expected to keep Vogt out of action and the veteran should be ready to go when pitchers and catchers report in February.