Switching Reds power-hitting prospect Rece Hinds to the outfield is the right move

As we've seen in the past, it's not the easiest transition in the world to make. But the Cincinnati Reds are making the right call switching one of their top prospects from the infield to the outfield. According to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Rece Hinds is poised to make a transition from third base to the outfield.

Right off the bat, I know that a lot of Reds fans will turn their attention to the disastrous decision to switch former first-round pick Nick Senzel from third base to center field. That has yet to yield positive results for Senzel or the Reds, but moving Hinds to the outfield is absolutely the correct move on the past of Cincinnati's developmental coaching staff.

Reds 3B prospect Rece Hinds is moving to the outfield.

According to Cincinnati Reds vice president of player development Shawn Pender, the position change is not set in stone. In fact, according to Sheldon, Hinds didn't even have an outfielder's glove and had to borrow one.

Still, this is the right move on behalf of the Reds organization. Hinds has ridiculous power and could be a force in the middle of the Cincinnati lineup. That said, the Reds have to find a way to get HInds' bat in the lineup on a regular basis.

Third base is currently occupied by Eugenio Suárez. The former All-Star is signed through the 2024 season. Mike Moustakas is also on the current roster. Looking ahead, Cincinnati has high hopes for Elly De La Cruz, who profiles as a five-tool player. Fellow 2019 draftee Tyler Callhan can also play third base.

“When I was younger, I always liked Justin Upton and B.J. Upton and Andruw Jones. It’s kind of funny, I was never an outfielder, but my favorite players were always outfielders.”

Hinds has been limited by injuries and the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But when he's on the field, Hinds displays a power that is unmatched by any other Reds prospect outside of maybe Austin Hendrick.

Rece Hinds appeared in 43 games for the Daytona Tortugas last season. In 185 plate appearances, Hinds posted a .515 slugging percentage and blasted 10 homers. On the defensive side, Hinds did commit eight errors at third base in just 273.1 innings in the field.

Personally, I'd love to see Rece Hinds try his hand at first base. Joey Votto can't play forever, and the Cincinnati Reds don't really have a viable in-house option to replace the future Hall of Famer. But, as Shawn Pender said, the position change is not set in stone. One thing is for sure, the Reds are trying whatever they can to get Hinds bat into the lineup.