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3 players for Cincinnati Reds to target this offseason

By David Hill

Sep 12, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Tucker Barnhart

Tucker Barnhart had been a part of the Cincinnati Reds for his first eight years in the majors before he was traded to the Tigers.

Barnhart had been a solid option behind the plate during that time. A two time Gold Glove winner, he possessed a bit of pop in his bat, made contact, and was not an automatic out in the lineup. That is more than some teams could say about their catching situation, making Barnhart an interesting option.

But it all fell apart offensively last season. Barnhart struggled to a .221/.287/.267 batting line with just one homer and ten doubles in his 308 plate appearances. He was another disappointment in the Tigers’ disastrous 2022 campaign, failing to live up to expectations as the team floundered.

This also makes a homecoming to Cincinnati possible. Yes, the Reds appear to have their catcher of the present and future in Tyler Stephenson. However, bringing in a veteran backstop such as Barnhart to not only help mentor Stephenson, but to also work with a young pitching staff, could pay dividends going forward. And if Barnhart can return to form, he could have value at the trade deadline as well.

The Cincinnati Reds could use a veteran mentor behind the plate. This is the right time to bring Tucker Barnhart back home.

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