Elly De La Cruz stands out as the only steadfast figure on the Cincinnati Reds’ roster. While many may overlook it, it’s worth noting that during his inaugural major league season in 2023, Elly started 29 games and made a total of 32 appearances at third base. This was largely due to the contributions of Matt McLain, who currently occupies the second base position and serves as the primary backup shortstop, having made 52 starts at shortstop that same year.
Although it's unlikely that we will see Elly regularly playing third base moving forward, he possesses both the skill set and experience to do so effectively. This adaptability is a significant asset to the Reds' planned starting middle infield, with McLain also boasting extensive outfield experience gained during his time at UCLA, his participation in the Cape Cod League, and even in the Arizona Fall League.
To their left lies a congested situation at first base, which the Reds aim to resolve through strategic versatility. Sal Stewart, who traditionally plays third and second base, is expected to rotate among all three positions, including designated hitter. The recently acquired Eugenio Suárez, formerly a shortstop for the Reds, has transitioned to third base and has a decade of big league experience, making him well-equipped to provide depth at either third or first base when he isn't serving as the designated hitter.
Spencer Steer, a Gold Glove finalist at first base in the previous season, may soon find himself competing for the starting job in left field. He is likely to cover both positions frequently, and there are indications that he might also see time at second base to keep his bat in play. However, placing him at shortstop for extended periods might be too much to ask. Steer appears to be the most versatile player on the roster—if the Reds continue to commit to having Noelvi Marte, who previously played third, short, and second base, as their everyday right fielder, a role he just began last August.
That said, it’s quite plausible to envision Marte sliding back into the infield mix during a prolonged game filled with substitutions, or if an injury arises unexpectedly, especially since the organization wishes to expand his experience in center field.
There’s also been discussion about giving TJ Friedl a shot at left field, which would allow Dane Myers—a versatile outfielder—to cover center field, thereby enhancing the overall defensive capabilities of the outfield unit. Catcher Tyler Stephenson has played 32 games at first base and has had 76 additional outings as a designated hitter, specifically to keep his bat active against left-handed pitching. Even players on the fringes of the roster, like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Callihan, exhibit positional flexibility. Encarnacion-Strand has experience at both infield corners, while Callihan has played nearly every position except shortstop.
This level of adaptability is almost amusing. If manager Terry Francona truly aimed for it, he could field lineups day after day that not only make practical sense but also never repeat the same player in the same position across consecutive days. This is especially true considering players like Will Benson and JJ Bleday can capably cover all three outfield positions.
Yet, this brings us to Ke’Bryan Hayes. Every time I delve into what the Reds are attempting to accomplish, everything seems logical—until I reach Hayes.
Since being drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015, Hayes has logged over 9,100 innings as a professional, with almost all of those innings spent as a third baseman. He’s strictly a third baseman, and his defensive skills may be unmatched across the league, despite struggling with a batting average that has lagged behind that of many regulars for more than two seasons.
Hayes is unique on this roster; aside from the backup catcher, he plays no other position, making him somewhat of a rarity on a team designed to emphasize versatility. He is also an anomaly within the sport itself, being a defense-focused player at a position typically filled by power hitters, and he does not occupy the more critical defensive spots like center field or shortstop.
When examining the construction of this roster, it becomes evident that they lack a traditional glove-first player capable of handling every infield position as a late-inning substitute, serving as the utility player needed for specific scenarios. We all know the archetypes: players like Jose Oquendo, Tony Phillips, Craig Counsell, Juan Uribe, and Ryan Freel (may he rest in peace). In Hayes, the Reds have acquired a player who embodies two key traits of classic utility players—outstanding defense paired with poor offensive performance—but he has never been utilized in a way that allows his elite defensive skills to maximize the roster's potential.
Thus, he finds himself on a versatile team as the player who is best suited to move around frequently, yet he remains fixed in one position. Rather than receiving a salary that reflects his utility player status, he is locked into a long-term deal worth $36 million, ranking him among the higher-paid individuals on the team. This raises questions about whether the Reds overpaid for someone who doesn’t fit their mold, leading to a curious situation of mutual dependence. They specifically sought out Hayes because of his particular skill set, despite having several other players who could seemingly handle the third base duties more effectively.
Could there be a resurgence in Hayes’ batting performance lurking beneath the surface? Or are the Reds simply content with securing 1.6 defensive wins above replacement (dWAR) from Hayes at third base, batting ninth most days, while one of Stewart, Suárez, or Steer sits on the bench during those games?
