Whether or not the Cincinnati Reds extend catcher Tyler Stephenson has been one of the questions floating in the background of the offseason. The backstop will be entering his final year under contract heading into next season, but the long-term deal with Jose Trevino and Stephenson’s injury-marred season have muddied the waters. Stephenson’s injuries and defensive weaknesses, though, may not be the biggest barriers to a deal. Rather, his approach at the plate may turn the Reds away.
Until this season, Stephenson has been one of the key bats in the Reds’ lineup. Only Elly De La Cruz had a better OPS last season, and since Stephenson became a starter in 2021, no other player has donned a Reds uniform more often.