When Derek Dietrich smoked a homer off prized lefty signing Yusei Kikuchi earlier this week in Cactus League action against the Seattle Mariners, it was a reminder that the Cincinnati Reds made a pretty savvy play to sign the versatile veteran. The 29 year old has averaged nearly 430 PA a season over the last four years, clobbered 46 homers in that time, and posted an impressive 114 OPS+ in that span.
For reference, Sean Casey posted a 114 OPS+ across his entire 8 year career with the Reds. A similar story can be said for Jose Iglesias, the former Detroit Tigers All Star whose defensive ability is roughly as plus as Dietrich’s offense.