Cincinnati Reds fans have seen a remarkable transformation in Tyler Stephenson this season. Just a year ago, there were calls for an upgrade at the catcher position as Stephenson struggled following multiple injuries in 2022. His poor at-bats and passed balls led to frustration among fans, raising questions about his future with the team. However, 2024 has been a different story for the 28-year-old catcher.
A Career Year for Stephenson
This season, Stephenson has turned things around, posting career highs in both offensive and defensive metrics. Among catchers with at least 350 plate appearances, he ranks sixth in both fWAR (2.7) and wRC+ (118). Despite the average fan not realizing it, Stephenson is having an exceptional year behind the plate.
Defensive Improvements
While Stephenson may not yet be a Gold Glove contender, he has made significant strides defensively. His framing and blocking have improved enough to elevate him to an average defensive catcher. Given his offensive production, the Reds can afford to have an average glove behind the plate. Many observers underestimated his potential after a down year in 2023, but now that he’s healthy, Stephenson is proving himself to be a top-10 catcher in Major League Baseball.
Offensive Breakthrough
Stephenson’s 2024 season has seen him achieve notable offensive milestones. With a wRC+ of 118, 18 home runs, a 9.9% barrel rate, a 44.4% hard-hit rate, and an average exit velocity of 90.6 mph, he is performing at an elite level. His ability to make hard contact and elevate the ball has contributed to his power surge, which was not a primary aspect of his game in the past. Importantly, despite this newfound power, his strikeout rate remains steady at 19.8%, just one percent higher than his career-best in 2021.
Versatile Hitting Approach
Another impressive aspect of Stephenson’s game is his ability to hit to all fields. This versatility has solidified his status as one of the better offensive catchers in baseball. His balanced approach allows him to make consistent contact while also tapping into his power, making him a valuable asset to the Reds’ lineup.
Contract Extension Possibilities
Given his impressive performance, the question arises: could the Reds consider a contract extension for Tyler Stephenson this offseason? Cincinnati has faced challenges in building depth at the catcher position through its minor league system, with no promising prospects currently on the horizon. Top catching prospect Alfredo Duno is still years away from potentially contributing at the major league level.
Locking up Stephenson would allow the Reds to secure his services through his arbitration years while potentially extending his contract into the 2027 season and beyond. The Reds have previously taken similar approaches, such as with Hunter Greene, which has proven beneficial.
Stephenson’s Role in the Future
Tyler Stephenson is a vital part of the Reds’ future plans. While the spotlight often shines on flashy rookies and young stars, a player of Stephenson’s caliber at the catcher position is rare. With a lack of promising catching prospects within the organization, securing Stephenson should be a top priority for the Reds.
Financial Considerations
With many regulars still in their pre-arbitration stages, allocating funds for Stephenson’s contract should not hinder the Reds’ ability to retain other key players. As the team improves, Stephenson may even find himself hitting lower in the lineup, providing additional power in the bottom third.
Catcher Tyler Stephenson’s development into a top-tier player for the Cincinnati Reds makes a compelling case for a long-term commitment. The organization has invested significant time and resources into his growth, and extending his contract would be a logical step to ensure stability at an essential position. Keeping Stephenson long-term not only makes sense strategically but also reflects the Reds’ commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
