*The Cincinnati Reds Make a Surprising Move: Signing Garrett Hampson*
The Cincinnati Reds have made a surprising announcement ahead of their series against the Chicago Cubs, signing veteran utility player Garrett Hampson to a major-league deal. This move comes as the team prepares for the return of ace Hunter Greene from the injured list. To make room for Hampson on the 40-man roster, the Reds optioned Rece Hinds to Triple-A Louisville and placed Carson Spiers on the 60-day injured list.
*Hampson’s Addition: A Defensive Boost?*
According to Reds manager Terry Francona, Hampson’s addition provides more positional versatility to the team. With several key players, including Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Jake Fraley, currently on the injured list, the Reds have been struggling with depth and flexibility. Hampson’s ability to play multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, and center field, could be a valuable asset in this regard.
*A Trade-Off: Defense for Offense?*
However, the signing of Hampson comes at a cost. The Reds are losing Rece Hinds, a player who has provided some much-needed power to the lineup. While Hinds can be inconsistent, his presence in the batting order has been a boost to the team. In contrast, Hampson’s career numbers are not exactly inspiring, with a .239/.302/.358 slash line and a 69 wRC+. It’s unclear whether the Reds’ offense will suffer without Hinds’ power bat.
*The Return of Hunter Greene*
On a more positive note, the Reds are welcoming back their ace, Hunter Greene, who is set to take the mound for the series opener against the Cubs. Greene’s return is a significant boost to the team’s pitching rotation, and fans are eagerly awaiting his performance. After a brutal series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Reds will be counting on Greene to help right the ship and lead the team to a successful series against the Cubs.
*What’s Next for the Reds?*
The signing of Garrett Hampson and the return of Hunter Greene are significant developments for the Reds. While Hampson’s addition provides defensive versatility, it’s unclear whether it will be enough to offset the loss of Rece Hinds’ power bat. As the series against the Cubs approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs with these new changes. Will the Reds be able to overcome their struggles and make a push for the postseason? Only time will tell.
