In a move likely meant to bolster depth, the Cincinnati Reds have inked versatile infielder Juniel Querecuto to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
The 29-year-old Querecuto came to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year as a non-roster invitee. A member of the Diamondbacks organization since March of 2018, he also spent 2020 as part of Arizona’s alternate training site personnel.
What will the Cincinnati Reds signing Juniel Querecuto mean for the team in 2022?
Juniel Querecuto, a switch hitter, comes to the Cincinnati Reds with a long history in the minor leagues, including 400 games at Triple-A. In 1,422 games split between the Triple-A affiliates of the Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays, he has slashed .281/.328/.398 while posting 265 strikeouts and walking 99 times.
He has appeared in just four MLB games, all coming with the Rays during the 2016 season. He went 1-for-11 at the plate in those appearances.
Last season, Querecuto put up solid numbers for Arizona’s Triple-A team in Reno, slashing .301/.354/.489 while logging time at all four infield positions (including shortstop, where he played the most, recording 45 games there). He has also seen action in the outfield (more before the pandemic while logging just two innings in left field last season).
He has also shown the ability to grab the extra base, hitting 15 doubles and seven triples last season while also stealing nine bases (in 11 attempts). That includes a steal of home plate in a September 17 game against Salt Lake.
That steal was part of a strong finish to the year for Querecuto, who posted a 1.040 OPS in 23 September games. In 88 at-bats that month, he hit four home runs and drove in 27.
Once the lockout ends and spring training begins, look for Querecuto to get his at-bats so Cincinnati can really see what they have in him, but also look for him to start the season at Triple-A. However, if Cincinnati needs an infield option, he could well see his first MLB playing time in five-plus seasons.