Houston Astros: What “AAAA” position player will contribute most?
By Kyle Cardoza
A.J. Reed
A.J. Reed was once a primed prospect on the precipice of an everyday role. But like many players in the past, he struggled once he faced big-league hurlers.
He was the main contributor in Triple-A Fresno as a middle-of-the-lineup slugger in 2016. The left-handed hitter sported a solid .291 average with 15 bombs and 50 RBIs in 70 games.
But all of the power Reed displayed in the minors disappeared during his stint in the majors. Reed hit below the Mendoza line at just .164 across 45 games in the bigs. Though he drew a considerable amount of walks, he struck out in 34 percent of his plate appearances.
The first baseman can essentially only occupy the corner spot and maybe slot in as the designated hitter. But Marwin Gonzalez and Yuli Gurriel sit ahead of him on the depth chart at first base, and Houston already has several proven hitters.
Reed earned a call-up in 2017, but it was just for a few games. Either he or Tyler White sits third in line to take over first, and both share similar characteristics.
However, Reed might have an advantage because of his age. He has more time to improve and fix his faults. Gonzalez has just one year left on his contract, which means he could leave following this season.
If Gonzalez leaves, someone will need to provide backup for Gurriel. Reed can earn that position if he adjusts to major-league pitching. And while former first baseman Jon Singleton couldn’t do that, Reed can.
The power is there – 49 homers in 197 Triple-A games – and Reed’s patience isn’t hopeless. If he wants to take the next step into the MLB, this could be the season he breaks out.