The Reds’ best offseason upgrade might already be in the clubhouse – Blog Red Machine

The Cincinnati Reds have failed to make the big offseason move that the team appeared to desperately need; however, a shrewd trade at the deadline in 2025 could pay off more than a big-name signing would have. If the old adage that “defense wins championships” is true, Ke’Bryan Hayes may be the key to a return trip to the postseason. In 2025, the Reds allowed 4.20 runs per game, 11th-best in the majors. That statistic, though, factors in both fielding and pitching. The Reds have one of the deepest and strongest starting rotations in baseball. Their fielders… not so much. Cincinnati had the 10th-worst fielding percentage in MLB last year and posted -2 defensive runs saved. That’s where Ke’Bryan Hayes comes in. Ke’Bryan Hayes’ exceptional defense may be exactly what the Reds need to return to the postseason in 2026 Since his debut in 2020, Hayes has amassed a higher fielding run value than any other non-catcher. He’s so good on defense that it almost makes up for his awful performance at the plate. In a full season, Hayes can be expected to save nine runs above the average defender.  Let’s imagine that the 2025 Reds had that full year
Read More