The Cincinnati Reds remain firmly in the NL Wild Card hunt, trailing the big-spending New York Mets by just 1.5 games for the final postseason slot.
At 62-57, they’re currently on the outside looking in, but their +41 run differential—fourth-best in the National League—shows they’re a dangerous team.
If they do make the cut, they’d face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round, and knocking off two deep-pocket contenders would make a bold statement.
At the trade deadline, Cincinnati made targeted moves, strengthening third base defense with Ke’Bryan Hayes and adding another option in Miguel Andujar from Oakland right before the buzzer.
While Andujar hasn’t been an everyday starter since arriving, the Reds appear ready to give him more consistent playing time.
After initially starting against left-handers—his specialty—he’s also been slotted into the lineup against righties recently, even hitting cleanup in back-to-back games.
Austin Hays has been the primary DH, but with his solid defense in left field, there’s room for Andujar’s potent bat despite his defensive shortcomings.
Since joining the Reds, Andujar has gone 6-for-16 (.375) with a .500 OBP, including a key three-run homer on Sunday against the Pirates.
Miguel Andújar,
He finished that game 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored, showcasing his knack for sparking offense.
On the season, he’s batting .303 with a .343 OBP and a .796 OPS, with a wRC+ of 110—just ahead of Mets star Francisco Lindor’s 109.
While his power numbers are modest (seven home runs), three have come in his last eight games, a sign he’s heating up at the right time.
The Reds are utilizing him to maximize his offensive strengths while limiting his defensive exposure, a strategy that could pay dividends in a playoff chase.
Acquiring Andujar was a shrewd deadline move, giving the Reds a hitter capable of sustaining rallies and catching fire when it matters most.
