The Reds announced Thursday that they’ve selected the contract of outfielder Aristides Aquino from Triple-A Louisville.
Aquino, 25, made his big league debut with the Reds last season but received just one plate appearance in August. He was subsequently non-tendered in the offseason but re-signed with Cincinnati on a new minor league contract just a few days later.
Last season’s .240/.306/.448 line in Double-A was more impressive than it looks (111 wRC+), considering the pitcher-friendly environment in which he played, but Aquino’s 2019 season has been far more eye-opening. In 323 trips to the plate, he’s slashed a robust .299/.356/.636 with 28 home runs, 13 doubles, a triple and five steals. He’s played exclusively in right field this season and will give Cincinnati a right-handed-hitting replacement option for Yasiel Puig, who headed to Cleveland in Tuesday night’s three-team Trevor Bauer blockbuster.
o2bacoach
He’s definitely found his stroke. Good for him and the organization! Anyone know how he’s doing defensively?
layventsky
He has not gotten rave reviews at C or in the OF.
Oh wait, this isn’t Peter O’Brien. Carry on.
ksoze
He fields well, and has a ++ arm, average speed
titanic struggle
Those are great numbers…let’s give the kid a legitimate shot this time instead of just one AB…
watup0100
Ervin should get the chance
samshizzy
Absolutely, he’s earned it.
fieldsj2
No doubt! He could just be a late bloomer.
redsorbust
anyone know the story with Ervin? is he ever going to get a chance to play every day for an extended period of time? I know he is major league ready but he an everyday player? I think he should be given the chance or we should trade him.
BrandonGregory74
I would say this is going to be Ervin’s evaluation period
AZPat
As long as Winker needs to be pinch hit for against lefties, Ervin will be on the bench.
thatsdoctorsmartasstoyou
What about this guy?
fieldsj2
I agree, he should be out there everyday. They used a first round pick on him, it’s time to see if he’s an everyday player.
cincinnatikid
Ervin will probably get at bats since the reds will need a center fielder and a right fielder next year cause I’m thinking the reds may move Nick Senzel back to 2nd base
redsfan48
Josh VanMeter is the Reds’ second baseman of the future (and now). Senzel will stay in CF
FromTheCheapSeats
I personally don’t think that’s the best move, but I agree that it’s what the Reds intend to do.
earmbrister
Senzel is a much better CFr than Ervin or Winker. He’s staying in CF. VanMeter will play 2B and spot duty in the OF.
jake44np
That’s going to happed. VanMeter is the future at 2B. It’s his natural position. The Reds just talked about this yesterday and said Senzel is not switching from CF.
Gobbysteiner
Got this dude as a throw in to a Luis Castillo trade in mlb the show, called him up a month later and he’s raked for me ever since. Good luck Aristides and thanks for the bombs in MLB the show lmao
stratcrowder
Aquino is a very flashy defender in RF and an arm that’s very comparable to Puig. We loved him here in Louisville.