One of the critical aspects of a rebuild cycle such as the one the Reds are currently in is to take a good look at young talent to learn as much as you can about their current abilities and future potential.
One name flying way under the radar this season is Alex Blandino. Despite functioning primarily as a reserve and pinch hitter, Blandino is on the Major League Baseball rookie leaderboard in several categories:
- .363 on-base percentage, ranking fifth among all rookies
- .275 batting average, ranking eighth
- 0.3 WAR, tied for 15th
- 96 WRC+, 18th
Blandino is an infielder by trade, but is not going to supplant either third baseman Eugenio Suarez or second baseman Scooter Gennett (unless he is traded, which is an entirely separate idea being debated all over Redleg Nation).