The Reds were already facing a bit of a roster crunch during the first weekend of the season with starting catcher Tucker Barnhart going on the paternity list but then they had to place INF Matt Davidson (Covid-19) and 2B Mike Moustakas (undisclosed) on the injured list leaving them stretched thin offensively. With 2015 first round pick Tyler Stephenson being on the 40-man already the club decided he was ready and added him to the 30-man.
Here’s video of his first big league plate appearance.
The Rankings
Stephenson ranked #5 in our Cincinnati Reds Top 30. He did not rank inside either our fantasy or real life Top 100.
The Tools
Defense (45 field/60 throw): Stephenson’s massive six-foot-four frame isn’t an asset when he’s in the crouch, but the Reds have found a recent wrinkle to help combat that. They’ve started having Stephenson catch with one knee on the ground. It helps larger catchers get lower and present the low pitch better for the umpires while also creating a better angle for the pitcher. He’s worked hard defensively, and while defensive-minded organizations likely won’t want him as an everyday guy, that can all change with robot umpires that will magically make his receiving issues disappear. The arm here is plus. Quick release and strong footwork.
Hit (50 present /55 future): Despite the large, muscular frame Stephenson’s best offensive skill is his ability to put the bat on the ball. He put up a strong 81% contact rate in his first taste of Double-A, which he hit .285/.372/.410 with an above-average 16.5% K rate and an impressive 8.2 SwStr%. It’s been quite the transformation for Stephenson who was once thought of as a power over hit offensive player. He’s flipped the script. Pitch recognition skills have also matured, and he’s posted double-digit walk rates the last three seasons.
Power (45 present/55 future): Injuries to his hand and wrist are partly to blame for the muted power numbers, but the biggest reason is the bat path. Stephenson has a very linear swing which is more conducive to line drives than anything, which is a positive result but he doesn’t use his lower half enough to put up big power numbers. A bat path adjustment, which is much easier said than done, would do absolute wonders for him. I have him as a 15-20 homer bat now, with a chance for more.
Speed (30 present/30 future): He’s more athletic than you may think, but his speed isn’t important.
Prediction: High school catchers are amongst the riskiest of investments, so credit is due for Tyler Stephenson and the Reds organization for getting him to the big leagues. He’s dealt with some adversity in the past but is likely the Reds best option as their third catcher right now. His defensive skills aren’t on par with Tucker Barnhart or Curt Casali but he easily has the highest upside. If the automated strike zone makes its way to the majors it’s hard to find a catching prospect that will benefit more than Stephenson. For 2020 he can be left on the wire with the return of Barnhart, but if an injury strikes he becomes a must add.