Imagine a baseball roster built like a Swiss Army knife, where every player seems to have a hidden tool or two. That’s the Cincinnati Reds for you—a team so versatile, they could probably field a different lineup every day for weeks without repeating a player’s position. But here’s where it gets controversial: in the midst of all this adaptability, there’s one player who stands out like a sore thumb—Ke’Bryan Hayes. He’s the lone immovable object on a roster designed for constant motion.
Let’s rewind for a moment. In 2023, Elly De La Cruz, the Reds’ phenom, made 29 starts at third base during his rookie year, deferring to Matt McLain, who locked down shortstop with 52 starts. While De La Cruz likely won’t return to third base regularly, his versatility—paired with McLain’s outfield experience from his college and league days—sets the tone for the Reds’ flexible approach. And this is the part most people miss: the Reds’ strategy isn’t just about having players who can move around; it’s about creating a puzzle where every piece can fit in multiple places.
Take the first base logjam, for instance. Sal Stewart, a natural third and second baseman, is expected to rotate through first, third, and designated hitter roles. Eugenio Suárez, a former Reds shortstop turned third baseman, will likely cover third when not at first or DH. Spencer Steer, a Gold Glove finalist at first base, might find himself starting in left field, while also getting reps at second base to keep his bat in the lineup. Even Noelvi Marte, primarily an outfielder now, could slide back into the infield mix in a pinch—though asking him to play shortstop for any length of time is a stretch.
The Reds’ flexibility extends beyond the infield. TJ Friedl could see time in left field, allowing Dane Myers to cover center and boost the outfield’s defensive quality. Catcher Tyler Stephenson has logged innings at first base and DH, while fringe players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Callihan bring their own positional versatility to the table. It’s a level of flexibility that’s almost comical—manager Terry Francona could theoretically field a completely different lineup every day without repeating a player’s position.
But then there’s Hayes. A first-round pick in 2015, he’s logged over 9,100 professional innings, nearly all of them at third base. His glove is elite, arguably the best in the game, but his bat has been among the worst of any regular for two seasons. Hayes is the roster’s unicorn—a glove-first player in a position dominated by sluggers, and the only position player outside of the backup catcher who doesn’t move around. It’s like having a race car that only drives in one gear.
Here’s the head-scratcher: Hayes is on a long-term, $36 million deal, making him one of the team’s highest-paid players. Yet, he doesn’t fit the mold of a classic utility player—those jack-of-all-trades like Jose Oquendo or Craig Counsell, who could plug any infield hole. Hayes has the elite defense but hasn’t been asked to use it across the diamond, which could unlock even more roster flexibility. Instead, he’s locked into third base, batting ninth most days, while other versatile players like Stewart, Suárez, or Steer sit on the bench.
So, why did the Reds go all-in on Hayes? Is there a hidden offensive renaissance waiting to happen? Or are they content with his 1.6 dWAR at third base and nothing more? It’s a puzzling move on a team that thrives on adaptability. Is Hayes the missing piece or the wrench in the works? Let’s hear your take in the comments—do the Reds have it right, or is Hayes a square peg in a round hole?
