Wil Myers doesn't get enough credit for this underrated aspect of his game

The Cincinnati Reds signed Wil Myers on Thursday and appear to have shored up one of their biggest weaknesses by inking the longtime San Diego Padres outfielder to a one-year/$7.5M contract. Myers' contract contains a mutual option for the 2024 season as well.

Myers can play first base, and while he's sure to see some time there, it would appear that the Reds foresee the 32-year-old spending the majority of his time in right field.

While Myers' bat is likely the biggest reason why the Reds signed him, the former AL Rookie of the Year played above-average defense in 2022 as well.

Reds newest outfielder Wil Myers's defense is vastly underrated.

Reds fans know all too well the difference a good defender can make. The Cincinnati faithful were spoiled for years watching Billy Hamilton make spectacular catches in the outfield. There was then the horrific defense displayed by Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos. Last season, Aristides Aquino recorded more defensive runs than any other outfielder in the majors.

But the Cincinnati Reds newest addition is no slouch on defense. Whlie Wil Myers won't match the 20 DRS that Aquino posted in 2022, he did record 5 DRS according to Fielding Bible. That's more than any other outfielder currently on the Reds roster. Stuart Fairchild posted 2 DRS in 2022.

According to Baseball Savant, Myers was worth 2 outs above average (OAA) in 2022 while playing right field. But, with just one outfield assist last season, Reds Country shouldn't expect to see Myers gunning down opponents at the plate like they did with Aquino last season.

Wil Myers is arguably a better defender at first base than in the outfield, but based on need, the veteran will likely take the majority of reps in right field. While Myers is unlikely to win a Gold Glove, his defense is above-average.