Both general manager Nick Krall and manager David Bell are proponents of moving players to different positions to get bats in the lineup.
The Reds recent history has shown that the outfield is a solution to position gluts like the Reds are experiencing in the infield.
Nick Senzel was moved from his college position at third base to second base and ultimately to center field to help him crack the lineup. Jose Barrero was moved to center field as well. Even Jonathan India was moved from his natural position of third base to second base to put him in position to become the Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Now through trades, India is one of the crowded infield which has too much offensive talent to be "type cast" by their current defensive position.
Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand joined India, Spencer Steer, Senzel, moved back to third base and Barrero, who played 26 games at shortstop before being sent to Louisville. It is believed by some in the Reds' organization that Steer's best position is second base. Highly regarded Edwin Arroyo is waiting in the wings.
Both Steer and Encarnacion-Strand appeared at third base and first base. Newcomer Jeimer Candelario played 115 games at third base and 26 at first base last season.
Steer played 47 games in the outfield last season and 16 at second base.
Elly De La Cruz at 6'5" doesn't have the body type of a typical shortstop. His speed and arm, with throws clocked at over 100 mph, make him an intriguing choice to move to the outfield, following the precedent of Billy Hamilton. India could also handle the transition.
We will see this spring training in Goodyear, Arizona what the Reds have in mind. Spring training is obviously the best place to experiment with new positions. Senzel has moved on to ease the glut somewhat but the infield remains crowded. Another trade is possible too. India has been named in trade talks for months.
Right now the outfield is in good hands too.
Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Wil Benson and Stuart Fairchild played well during the 2023 season. Rece Hinds, Nick Martini and Jacob Hurtubise are on the 40-man roster. Alan Cerda in addition to minor league player of the year Blake Dunn and 2020 first round pick Austin Hendrick are also knocking on the door.
The Reds have a pleasant problem with an abundance of talent among its position players. The DH and diversification is the key to getting productive offensive players on the field.
The 1st player that I would move to the outfield is DeLaCruz and the Reds don't seem to even want to entertain the thought. He has all the skills of a great outfielder and we have an abundance of good infielders, several of whom can play shortstop.
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