Reds add two outfielders as they gear up for postseason push
Looking to bolster their lineup as they continue to battle it out for a playoff spot, the Cincinnati Reds acquired two new outfielders after claiming both Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe off of waivers on Thursday.
Sitting six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central and one game out of a wild-card spot, bringing in these two veterans to help with one of the most inexperienced rosters in the MLB could be huge down the final stretch.
While Bader has struggled this season, he will provide the Reds with a big boost in the outfield versus left-handed pitching something they have lacked in 2023. Slashing .343/.392/.687 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 67 at-bats versus lefties, he also possesses Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
With six years of experience in the NL Central with the St. Louis Cardinals, he will have a smooth transition to captaining the outfield for the Reds when he plays.
Although he has a cannon of an arm Renfroe doesn't quite have the defense Bader does, but he has a consistent power bat. He has hit 25-plus home runs in every season since 2017, outside of the shortened 2020 season and could very well continue that streak this season with his move to the Reds.
Batting .242 on the season, Renfroe has 19 home runs, 31 doubles and 56 RBIs he should thrive in Great American Ballpark the home of the Reds.
While pitching is still a big question mark for the Reds with a 4.70 team ERA good for 24th in the MLB, they are choosing to load up on offense and will try to outscore teams on their way to a spot in the playoffs.
Fans will surely continue to pack the stands as they root for this exciting Reds team, who are unexpectedly in playoff contention and should continue to be for years to come.
More must-reads: