Without Aristides Aquino, Reds OF Stuart Fairchild should see increased playing time

The Cincinnati Reds finally decided to part ways with Aristides Aquino. The Punisher was designated for assignment, and while a reunion is certainly possible if Aquino clears waivers, Reds GM Nick Krall made it sound as if Cincinnati is ready to move on.

That may be because the Reds are ready to offer more at-bats to some of their young outfielders. Last year, Cincinnati got received contributions from players like TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley, but there was another outfielder who produced unexpected results.

Stuart Fairchild, who was originally drafted by Cincinnati, found his way back to the Reds organization in 2022. Aquino's absence should give Fairchild an increase in playing time next season.

Reds OF Stuart Fairchild should see increased playing time.

Stuart Fairchild was a second-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2017. Before reaching the big leagues, Fairchild was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with infielder Josh VanMeter in exchange for reliever Archie Bradley.

Fairchild debuted for the Dbacks during the middle of the 2021. The Wake Forest alum then bounced around to the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants in 2022 before landing back with the Cincinnati Reds last June.

Fairchild slashed .279/.374/.523 with a wRC+ of 146 in 38 games for the Reds in 2022. Fairchild launched five round trippers and 10 extra-base hits in just 86 at-bats. With Aquino out of the picture, Fairchild becomes the most likely outfielder to platoon with either Friedl or Fraley in 2023.

Of course, the Cincinnati Reds could choose to sign a veteran free agent during the offseason. Last spring the front office signed Tommy Pham to a one-year deal in order to replace Jesse Winker. Nick Krall and Company could go the same route this offseason.

Stuart Fairchild doesn't have much experience in right field, so perhaps the Reds will place Jake Fraley in right field and platoon TJ Friedl with Fairchild in left field.