PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Winker’s ready, but does he have a spot?

Cincinnati Reds

While Billy Hamilton’s (OF, CIN) name has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout hot stove season, it is increasingly looking like the swift center fielder will be in Cincinnati come Opening Day. He may not be returning as the club’s leadoff hitter, however. After posting just a .299 OBP in 2017, manager Bryan Price has stated that he could bat ninth. Such a lineup move could cost him a significant amount of ABs, and in turn his number of stolen base opportunities. This will be a key storyline to track during Reds spring training.

Jesse Winker (OF, CIN), who has a .396 OBP in 795 Triple-A plate appearances, is an obvious candidate to bat leadoff if Hamilton bats lower in the order. Chris Blessing’s review of Winker in...

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