Cincinnati Reds: How the outfield looks after roster shakeup

Apr. 15—When Cincinnati Reds outfielder Rece Hinds met with manager Terry Francona and general manager Brad Meador at the start of spring training, Hinds stressed that he has more standout tools than the elite raw power that he has displayed previously in the big leagues.

He told them that he had been working to become an elite defender.

The Reds were optimistic about Hinds entering 2026 because of the power, speed and strength that he brought to the table. But in just about every area, especially on defense, he had to become more consistent.

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Hinds showed enough in spring training that he nearly made the team. He ended up opening the season in Triple-A, but his growth encouraged the Reds to call him up two weeks into the season to give him a shot to show what he can do.

"It's a different Rece," Hinds said. "I've always tried to prove to someone else that I'm this player. Over the past year, I've proven I'm an all-around player."

Last Monday, the Reds optioned Noelvi Marte to Triple-A and called up Hinds.

Marte was one of the Reds' most important players in 2025. But this year, he was struggling badly with pitch selection and hit .138.

"When it comes to decision- making and specifically in Marte's case, with the ability to play every day, you can give so much more feedback of what you swung at today knowing you'll be in the lineup the next day," hitting coach Chris Valaika said.

"At our level, with performance being king, you might play and be off for two days and then play. It's tough for younger guys to be in a part-time type role."

While the Reds could have given a greater opportunity to Will Benson or Dane Myers in the outfield, the expectation is that Hinds is going to get a chance to show what he can do.

He has had a few cups of coffee in the big leagues including a short stretch in 2024 where he wracked up homers. But in the past, swing-and-miss issues prevented him from hitting his stride in the big leagues and in turn getting a chance to play every day.

"His at-bats have been more consistent," Francona said. "He's understanding as he grows and matures being more accountable in the outfield and on the bases. We don't expect him to come here and be the savior. We want him to play the best baseball he can."

Hinds will likely get frequent playing time in the outfield along with TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer.

Benson remains in the mix, but he's off to a slow start this year.

"At times, (Benson), looks like he's trying to get the ball in the air," Francona said. "That's OK as long as you (drive it). Like a lot of our hitters, it's been kind of spotty. It's not just him. It happens coming out of camp."

Myers is an excellent defender who has a track record of hitting well versus left-handed pitching, and the Reds have shown a lot of confidence in Myers in his specific role.

"He has done well (here)," Francona said. "He's a good outfielder. He's a really good outfielder. I know he wants to play. I respect that. Right now the way we're situated, it's probably not the way it's going to happen right now. Things change. He's such a good defender that he keeps finding a way into these games."