Reds sign Utilityman Chad Pinder FanSided’s Robert Murray reports that they have agreed a deal with the minor leagues. Ballengee Group’s client will join his Big League camp as an off-roster invitee once the deal is finalized. Tweet Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Pinder, who turns 31 in March, will join the Reds after seven seasons with the Athletics. The Virginia Tech product was drafted in the Competitive Balanced Round B Draft in 2013 and made its first major league appearance three years later. Pinder’s first few seasons were productive, from 2017 to 2018 as a part-time player he batted .248/.313/.447 in 193 games and hit 28 home runs.
In the 2019 season, he hit 13 homers in 370 bases, but his on-base percentage dropped to .290. The past few years have hovered in that range, and he’s the only right-handed hitter to reach his OBP mark of . In just over 1000 at-bats since 2019 began, he’s put together a .239/.283/.402 line — an offense that’s 10% below league average in wRC+ after factoring in Oakland’s Cavern Park.
Pinder set a slight career-high in plate appearances last season, reaching 379. 235/.269/.385 and posted his career-worst batting average of 31.1%. He also hit 12 home runs, but he was his 7th worst OBP among 246 hitters with 350 or more at-bats.
It certainly wasn’t the year for the platform that Pinder envisioned. Nonetheless, Cincinnati’s David would add defensive flexibility and a potential platoon bat to his Bell’s bench if he can break his MLB roster. Pinder, who spent most of 2022’s innings in the outfield in the corner, has considerable experience at second base, third base, and shortstop. His official defensive metrics don’t rate him highly for his infield work, but he scores highly for his outfield play in the corners.
He also has a solid offensive track record when holding a platoon advantage. I’ve put together /.322/.456 lines. Although his production has dwindled over the past few years, he remains a strong threat to left-handed weapons, which is likely to be expanded in Cincinnati’s Great American Ball in his park. He is one of the most lucrative venues in the sport for hitters.
With a career .225/.272/.388 in just under 1,000 at-bats against right-handed pitchers, Pinder is perfect for match-up ability. He could be a platoon partner for left-handed swingers. TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley When Joey Bott In the corner outfield/first base mix if he can reach an MLB roster.Cincinnati brought Will Myers via free agency Nick Sorak Through trade, you may also join that group.catcher Tyler Stevenson Likely to handle much of the designated hitter rep, perhaps Pinder could also provide cover on the left side of the infield for the presumptive starter. Kevin Newman When Spencer Stair.
