The Reds have claimed first baseman/outfielder Peter O’Brien off waivers from the Royals, per a club announcement. He has been optioned to Triple-A. Lefty Brandon Finnegan will head to the 60-day DL to create 40-man space.
[Related: Updated Cincinnati Reds depth chart]
Cincinnati has had some recent success with plucking high-power prospects who had fallen out of favor with other organizations, and will look to do just that here. O’Brien was designated recently by Kansas City, though he had not appeared at the major league level with the organization. Over his 115 plate appearances on the year at Triple-A, the 26-year-old owns a .162/.235/.276 slash with 31 strikeouts.
That’s a disappointing showing, to be sure, but it’s not a representative sample of O’Brien’s overall minor-league track record. He has been a steadily productive hitter, and carries a .259/.307/.503 batting line with 53 home runs in 1,083 career plate appearances at the highest level of the minors. Though his high-strikeout, low-walk approach makes him a questionable bet ever to reach base at a palatable clip in the majors, O’Brien’s power is a strong enough tool that the Reds will take a chance.
Wasn’t he a top prospect a while back?
Indeed he was. His power is ridiculous but he strikes out a lot and is a batting average risk. Still, an interesting pickup based on his power potential.
Kinda low risk bc they have pretty good outfield depth. Maybe someone will fix his approach
In that ballpark he might bunt a homerun. He is a right handed swinging Joey Gallo except he strikes out more and can’t play defense
The Reds must have insider knowledge that the DH is coming to the NL.
LOL!
I don’t think you need insider knowledge to know that it’s eventually going to happen.
That’s been going around for years. The commissioner is already on record not wanting to change it,concentrating on pace of game and expansion.The owners don’t want it either!
It’s going to happen, and sooner rather than later. The AL/NL no longer exist – they technically merged legally. No body wants to see million $ arms getting injured trying to hit better than .100.
Someone strikes out more than Gallo? :)
Yeah Joey Gallo has a higher ceiling. He’s 23.. and o’Brien is 26
Well he doesn’t get rave reviews at catcher or outfield
Any reviews on his defense at catcher or outfield?
Not rave
If he can improve his defense, he’ll finally be good enough to be considered awful defensively. Watching him play defense is like watching a train wreck in slow (very slow) motion..
He is terrible anywhere on the field. Yips & poor work behind the plate & no mobility or agility everywhere else on the field. His likely home should be as a 1B/DH platoon. More DH than 1B.
He is a poor man’s Joey Gallo, if he gets regular playing time, he will show what he is capable of. Luckily for Gallo, Beltre went on DL
Why does every prospect with power and a strikeout problem get compared to Gallo? Gallo’s athleticism and plate discipline are really good for a player his size, neither of which O’Brien has. They’re both that same archetype of prospect, yes, but Gallo’s much better than O’Brien at basically everything
Re-read what I wrote, and read what you wrote. You have basically agreed with me!
The Reds 1st baseman at triple A is really struggling. This is probably nothing more than an upgrade for triple A Louisville. He would really have to play well to take a current starter’s place in the Cincinnati outfield, assuming his defense is as bad as everyone says, and Votto’s not going anywhere.. That’s my guess.
Sebastian Elizalde can easily be the everyday 1Bman in Louisville, he is not struggling.
Yes, you’re right. But then someone else starts in the outfield that’s hitting .200, or you move Renda to the outfield, etc. etc. I guess the bottom line is that they could really use another bat in triple A no matter what position they play.
Oh no Votto is heading out the door !!!!
Of course he is.
They are hoping he turns out to be the next Adam Duvall….but I don’t see it happening….
So other than age, what’s the difference between a Peter O’Brien and a Joey Gallo? Many power, many strikeouts, not much average
per my sources in the comments above, that is accurate. power and strikeouts. no rave reviews on his defense.
Athleticism, walks, defense, baserunning. Gallo’s much better at basically everything