Mar 22, 2025; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (27) gets ready for a game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

A Bounce Back from Jake Fraley Could Vault the Reds Into the Playoffs

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI | By Jeff Carr | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 8:57 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds can accomplish their ultimate goal a little easier if they get a bounce back performance form Jake Fraley in 2025.

It’s weird to say a guy who hit .277 in 350 at-bats is looking for a bounce back season, but it was the power that disappeared last season. Fraley slugged just .386 after posting a .443 slugging percentage in 2023.

How does he feel compared to last year?

“There is no comparison,” Fraley said on Tuesday. "Today is today. I know that questions always come and everyone always asks about last year, and compare, and expectations…I am the ultimate person when it comes to ‘today is the only focus.’ I’m not focusing on what I did last year. I’m not focusing on anything along those lines. I gotta show up today and be present in order to do my job today and I take that mentality into every day.”

If we see a guy who hits .275 and slugs .443, then Fraley will transform into an asset for the lineup and could help the Reds make the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Reds on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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