3 Radical Ways the Cincinnati Reds Can Solve Their Left Field Problem
By Adam Hughes
Call Up Jesse Winker and Stick With Him
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA outfielder Jesse Winker flies out during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
This idea may not be entirely radical, but it’s probably not what the Reds have in mind at this point. Jesse Winker did really well at super-A Bakersfield in 2014, and then not so well in AA with Pensacola. It doesn’t really matter, though, because he’s not going to be much worse than Ludwick was in 2014 if Cincy puts him in the Big League lineup next season.
Winker is 21, too, so he’s old enough to not get his psyche demolished by some rough stretches, but young enough to still have tons of room to grow. The Reds might as well let him spread his wings in the Majors. At the very worst, he’ll be all the more ready to rake in 2016.
At the best, he’ll be ready to rake in 2015, and the Reds will be saved.