Reds finally address their most glaring need, but not in the way you think

For months, questions and concerns have swirled around the Cincinnati Reds’ outfield. Does the team have enough quality? Will they land a big free agent or possibly trade for depth? The front office itself, though, seems less concerned about the men patrolling the grass and have focused on other areas (notably starting pitching and catching depth).

Perhaps this was a signal to look elsewhere for weaknesses, and no position was more fraught than third base. The Reds addition of Gavin Lux could help with that, but the former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder's role has yet to be fully defined.

Just over a year ago, when the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario and awaited Noelvi Marte’s return from suspension, the hot corner seemed in good hands. A slow start for Candelario shifted all hopes onto Marte, who folded under the pressure. Cincy was facing a grim future until Monday's trade.

The focus on the Reds’ outfield has obscured the real problem

Candelario seemed all but guaranteed to own the starting job (and still may) on Opening Day. While many projections indicate a bounce-back season and roughly 20 homers, Candelario a tremendous defensive liability at third. He produced six defensive runs saved below average in 2024, and his fielding percentage was 30 points below average. In other words, he’s turning into a DH and having Lux onboard helps to balance out the roster.

Marte would be even worse. He made 12 errors in just 55 games at third in 2024, and his offensive production has tanked since his suspension. In the Dominican Winter League, where he has typically found success, he has produced a .653 OPS with as many strikeouts as hits (22) in 30 games. This very well may send him to Triple-A Louisville at the start of the 2025 season.

The Reds seemed at least marginally interested in shaking up the infield picture. Matt McLain has been willing to shift to third base and got some experience there in the Arizona Fall League. He may well start at the hot corner next season or could find his way into center field by Opening Day.

Unlike the outfield, where the Reds have numerous prospects to mix-and-match, including Rece Hinds and Blake Dunn, help isn’t on the way for the infield outside of Edwin Arroyo who's likely to start the year at Double-A.

The Reds pursued Gleyber Torres before he signed with the Tigers, and finally went outside the organization and to grab Lux. Time will tell if Cincinnati made the right call and how this changes the team's plans at the hot corner in 2025.

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