Tyler Stephenson missed a lot of time due to injuries in 2022.
Photo Credit: Katie Stratman - USA TODAY Sports
I conducted a single-question interview with Tyler Stephenson at Redsfest in 2022. I asked, “Tyler, what is the best feeling for you - throwing out a runner, or hitting a bomb?”
“Ooh that’s a tough one.”
(Few seconds of silence)
“Gonna have to go with hitting a bomb.”
This insightful interrogation sheds light on the recent news regarding the Reds’ plan for Stephenson in 2023. Clearly, this means he cares about hitting more than catching.
Okay, it does not mean that at all. However, the Reds have a plan to protect their young catcher does involve getting him out from behind the plate to ensure that his bat stays in the lineup.
A Team Leader
As the 2023 season approaches, one of the few bright spots for the Cincinnati Reds is a healthy start to the season for catcher Tyler Stephenson. A first-round draft pick (11th overall) in 2015, Stephenson was a highly touted prospect before he made his debut for a cup of coffee in the 2020 season. Serving as the backup to Tucker Barnhart in 2021, it became clear that Stephenson was emerging as a force at the plate AND behind it. In a relatively small sample size, he has proven to be an above-average Major League hitter.
A catcher of this caliber is a serious cheat code in major league baseball, as only four qualifying catchers posted an above-average (.750) OPS (on base + slugging percentage) during the 2022 season. Stephenson, however, was not one of these qualifying catchers, as injuries limited him to only 50 games. The reason for excitement from a full season of Stephenson is the promise he has shown when healthy. This explains the Reds’ recent announcement regarding the plan for their talented catcher in 2023.
The 2023 Game Plan
As Spring Training was just beginning, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell announced that Tyler Stephenson would only catch around 65 games for the 2023 season (65/162, or 40% for those counting at home). This is, of course, in an effort to keep him healthy and on the field. Speaking of on the field, Bell also stated that Stephenson would appear as the designated hitter for about 30% of his games, and 20% at first base. He would have one day off every ten days or so, with the plan being for him to play between 140-150 games.
First of all, I would like to say that I appreciate the transparency from manager David Bell on this topic. When the Reds break camp with three catchers on the roster, fans will not have to question why. I think it is completely fair for a manager to explain to the fans and media what the plans are for a rising star player. It makes sense to want to keep one of your best bats in the lineup at all times.
On the other side of the coin, I can’t help but to find this situation a bit frustrating. If the Reds were expected to compete for a division title in 2023, would this plan be the same? I am inclined to think not. If the team was actually built to win more games than it loses, would it make sense for the manager to map out every game for a player such as Stephenson? Again, the answer is probably no. The manager would have to consider matchups, must-win games down the stretch, connections with specific pitchers, and more. However, the reality is that the Reds are not expected to win many games, which makes a plan like this much easier to create and stick with. Even still, plans could change, especially if there are injuries to other players, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Does the Plan Make Sense?
Although I understand the rationale behind this plan, I am unsure if it increases the chances for the Reds to win games. Operation Keep Stephenson Healthy is a noble cause, and this should help make that happen. However, this forces the Reds to carry two other catchers, who project as far below-average bats. Again, if this roster were seriously constructed for World Series competition, those spots might be better served going to someone else. Theoretically, a team could build around their cheat code of a catcher by adding more above-average offensive players around the diamond to create a winning team. The Reds have not shown any signs of doing this, at least yet.
I do not subscribe to the idea that Stephenson’s offensive numbers are strong for a catcher but weak for a first baseman. After all, an above-average hitter is an above-average hitter, and Stephenson is. Over 190 games in his career, Stephenson’s OPS stands at .823. This mark is higher than any catcher posted during the 2022 season, including the great J.T. Realmuto. This would also have placed Stephenson in the top 6 for first baseman, higher than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s .818.
It is fair to say that the sample size for Stephenson’s offensive production is small, because it is. However, compared with single season stats of some of the game’s greats, it becomes clear why the Reds are making the decision to protect their prized catcher. If I had to guess, I would say Stephenson would prefer to play behind the plate most of the time. However, I also believe he will do whatever it takes to help the team be successful, and a string of unfortunate injuries probably made accepting this plan slightly easier.
I am a firm believer in Tyler Stephenson’s abilities, so let’s hope this strategy contributes to his longevity long into the future (possibly as Joey Votto’s permanent replacement at 1B).
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