Reds’ Stephenson shining as a breakout player early in season
From the first game that Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson played in the big leagues, he looked like a player who’d be unfazed by big at-bats throughout his career.
In 2020, Stephenson picked up his first MLB hit in a game in which he came off the bench and hit a home run. He barely played that season, but he still earned the opportunity to make a few starts at designated hitter. In 2021, Stephenson started the season as the Reds’ backup catcher and go-to pinch hitter, and he carved out more starts and more consistent playing time as the season went on.
The idea was always that Stephenson would grow into the Reds’ regular catcher, and that he had All-star potential down the road. Now, with 160 MLB games under his belt, Stephenson looks like a player who’s entering the prime of his career.
On Wednesday, in the Reds’ 14-11 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Stephenson went 3 for 5 with four RBIS, continuing his breakout 2022 season.
“I’ve played with some great catchers,” said Reds third baseman Mike Moustakas. “He’s definitely up there. He’s young, and no moment is ever too big for him. He steps up in every situation when we need him to.”
Even though he missed two weeks with a concussion, Stephenson has 17 RBIS, which ranks fourth on the team. He has the highest batting average (.296) and the highest OPS (.899) on the Reds.
Since the start of the 2020 season,
Stephenson is the only active catcher in baseball who’s hitting .285 or higher over at least 300 at-bats.
“Less is more,” Stephenson said. “I’m just trying to simplify and obviously just get a good pitch to hit, and be on time. That’s the biggest thing. I don’t ever try to do too much. When you do, nothing good ever really happens.”
Stephenson has settled in as the Reds’ No. 5 hitter and has frequently been in position to take some of the biggest
at-bats of the game. It’s been an ideal role for the 25-year-old who continues to improve.
“I noticed that last year actually when we played the Reds,” Reds left fielder Tommy Pham said.
“I thought he was a great hitter. He knows the zone pretty well and he makes very good contact. He stays through the ball well. He does a lot of things that elite hitters do. I’m just trying to get on base for him.”