The Cincinnati Reds remain in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, sitting just 1.5 games behind the big-spending New York Mets for the final postseason spot. While their 62-57 record has them narrowly on the outside, their +41 run differential — fourth-best in the National League — suggests they’re a legitimate contender.
If they secure a berth, the Reds would currently be set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round. Knocking the Mets out of October and then taking on another high-payroll club would be a major statement for Cincinnati.
At the trade deadline, the Reds bolstered their roster by improving their defense at third base with top veteran and making a last-minute move to acquire top prospect from the A’s. Andujar hasn’t been an everyday starter since joining the team, but Cincinnati seems intent on giving him more opportunities.
After initially starting only against left-handers — whom he’s hit well all season — Andujar has also been in the lineup against right-handers in the past three games, batting cleanup in the last two.
Austin Hays has spent plenty of time as the Reds’ designated hitter this season, starting 36 games there, but he’s also been an above-average defender in left field over his 30 games in the field. Miguel Andujar, by contrast, has provided well-below-average defense but an undeniably above-average bat.
Since joining Cincinnati, Andujar has gone 6-for-16 (.375) with a .500 on-base percentage. On Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he launched a three-run homer in the third inning to spark an early lead, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored — a central figure in the Reds’ offensive output.
That’s the value he brings to a contender: consistent contact and timely hitting. While he has just seven home runs this season, three have come in his last eight games. In a playoff chase — and potentially in the postseason — his ability to sustain rallies could prove pivotal.
For the year, Andujar is batting .303 with a .343 OBP, a .796 OPS, and a wRC+ of 110 (league average is 100), which is even slightly better than Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor’s 109. He’s also capable of sparking rallies himself. Thanks to Cincinnati’s roster makeup, they can take advantage of his offensive strengths while minimizing his defensive shortcomings, maximizing his impact.
Given his knack for heating up and becoming tough to retire, adding Andujar ahead of the trade deadline was a shrewd move by the Reds.