Trade Analysis: What Cincinnati Reds Are Getting in Joey Wiemer

Wiemer brings an elite glove and challenging bat to the Reds

Apr 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Joey Wiemer (28) at the batting cage before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds stunned me and probably you as well, when they traded Frankie Montas to the Brewers. Joey Wiemer was one of two players they received in the deal.

Let’s start with what he has proven: he is an elite defender in the outfield. The Reds don’t have anyone like that, possibly in their entire farm system let alone the majors. He has really high marks for his range, his arm strength, and his arm accuracy. He is also a fast base runner, which fits right in with the Reds.

The challenge will be getting his bat in line. In 393 total MLB at-bats for Wiemer, he is slashing .201/.277/.349. He’s struck out 28.6% of the time (MLB average is 22.2%), but does have a league average walk rate of 8.5%. His quality of contact has been league average, as well, with his hard-hit rate (balls hit 95+ MPH) above league average at 38%.

The good news is he is a blank canvas at the plate in the majors. Wiemer has shown a weakness against sliders and curveballs. That may the first step in really breaking out, if he can find a better understanding of recognizing those pitches.

And with all the work they need to do with Wiemer, the Reds have time. He is under team control through 2028.

The Reds outfield is a land of opportunity and Wiemer may be poised to seize it. He just has to figure out who he is at the plate.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Beat Cleveland Guardians to Split Series in Battle For Ohio Cup

Demoting Graham Ashcroft Shows Cincinnati Reds Are Focused on Ultimate Goal

Can Rejuvenated Cincinnati Reds Stay Hot Through the All-Star Break?

Look: Fan Gets Tased After Running on Field During Reds’ Loss to Guardians

Postgame Takeaways: Cincinnati Reds fall to Cleveland Guardians 5-3

Watch: Broadcast and Radio Calls of Final Out in Reds’ Win Over Cubs

Cincinnati Reds Receive Unfortunate Injury News About Two Key Players

Watch: 16 Years Ago: Ken Griffey Jr. Hits Home Run No. 600

Will Cincinnati Reds be Buyers or Sellers at 2024 Trade Deadline in July?

Cincinnati Reds Call Up No. 11 Prospect Blake Dunn From Minor Leagues

Frankie Montas Makes History in Cincinnati Reds’ Win Over Colorado Rockies

Veteran Mike Ford Becomes Free Agent After Being Outrighted to Triple-A

Prospect Overview: In Depth Look at Cincinnati Reds First Rounder Rhett Lowder

Cincinnati Reds Prospect Edwin Arroyo Has Season-Ending Surgery

-----

Follow Inside the Reds on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram