The Cincinnati Reds are aiming to conclude the first half of the 2024 season on a high note with a successful homestand. Following matchups against the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies, the Reds will host the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park starting Friday night.
Similar to the Tigers and Rockies, the Marlins are expected to be active sellers as the trade deadline approaches. With one of the poorest records in the league this season, Miami anticipates several players departing for new teams after July 30th.
One notable name on the trade block is Jazz Chisholm Jr., the dynamic outfielder for the Marlins. Chisholm will showcase his skills during the upcoming series, sparking speculation whether he could be a target for the Reds.
Could Cincinnati benefit from adding Chisholm to their roster? Opinions vary. While his batting line of .256/.325/.414 with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases this season suggests offensive contributions, deeper statistical analysis reveals shortcomings. According to Baseball Savant, Chisholm ranks unfavorably in hard hit rate, chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate compared to his peers.
Despite his impressive sprint speed (81st percentile), the Reds already boast faster players on their roster. Defensively, Chisholm has posted -1 outs above average and -6 defensive runs saved (DRS), raising concerns about his impact in the field.
With TJ Friedl expected to return from injury before the deadline, the potential addition of Chisholm may not align with Cincinnati’s roster needs. While the Reds remain active in the trade market, Chisholm’s profile may not match the criteria for an ideal acquisition to bolster their lineup.