Reds outfielder Jake Fraley looks to handle Milwaukee's best as the Brewers visit Cincinnati

Jake 'The Rake' Fraley has been dominant for the Reds of late.

To call the Cincinnati outfield situation "unsettled" heading into the offseason is an understatement. However, as the Cincinnati Reds' brain trust turns their sights toward the 2023 campaign, there is a leader in the clubhouse for one of the three starting outfield positions.

It didn't appear likely in April, but Jake Fraley has emerged, as perhaps, the Reds' best option in next year's outfield. Over his last 30 games entering play last night, the LSU alum has produced an impressive .265/.356/.490 slash line.

Next, his 118 OPS+ ranks number one among all Reds on the active roster with at least 200 plate appearances. Additionally, since the All-Star break, Fraley leads Cincinnati with nine round-trippers, and his 23 RBIs trail only Kyle Farmer and Jonathan India for top honors on the club since the Midsummer Classic.

The key to securing an everyday spot in the Reds lineup next year for the left-handed slugger will be his ability to hit southpaws. Lefties have baffled Fraley in his limited opportunities this season. Collecting four hits in 27 at-bats versus left-handers, the 27-year-old has room for improvement.

Prediction: Reds and Brewers split the 4-game series.

These are two teams who couldn't be eyeing the end of the 2022 schedule more differently. The Milwaukee Brewers are fighting for their postseason lives while the Cincinnati Reds are looking at premium vacation packages.

Unfortunately, this will be a missed opportunity for the Beer Makers as the Redlegs salvage a split of the four-game set before embarking on their final road trip of the season with stops in Pittsburgh and Chicago's Wrigley Field.