The Reds have outrighted Delino DeShields Jr. off their 40-man roster and assigned the outfielder to Triple-A. After being acquired in a trade from the Red Sox on August 31, DeShields hit .255/.375/.426 over 58 plate appearances for Cincinnati.
Albeit in a small sample size, it was a positive showing to conclude a busy 2021 season for DeShields, as the veteran outfielder played for three different organizations and didn’t see any MLB action until landing in Cincinnati. DeShields rejoined the Rangers on a minor league deal back in February and was subsequently traded to the Red Sox in early August, before Boston sent him to the Reds.
DeShields put up some solid numbers (.252/.385/.366, 21 steals in 24 chances) over 381 combined Triple-A plate appearances with the Red Sox and Reds’ top affiliates. Between his impressive speed and defensive ability, DeShields saw regular work with the Rangers from 2015-19 but simply didn’t deliver much offensive production, leading Texas to trade him to the Indians in the 2019-20 offseason.
The Reds still have a year of arbitration control remaining on DeShields, though today’s outright would hint that the Reds are prepared to move on from the 29-year-old (whose father is Cincinnati’s first base coach). DeShields could potentially return to the Reds on a fresh minor league contract or perhaps sign with another team for a minors deal, as his base-stealing and glovework should get him looks from several teams in need of outfield depth.
Sometimes you don’t inherit your old man’s talent. I know I didn’t. Press on, It will just get better.
What happened to this guy? Wasn’t he supposed to eventually play a big role on this team? I remember Reds players saying the league needed to watch out when they discovered how good “Double-D” was going to be.
@curly. Sometimes these baseball families are quite intriguing. Cal/Billy Ripken for one example. Ken Griffey was pretty good but Jr was a superstar. Then go way back and Lloyd/Paul Waner are both hall of farmers.
Don’t forget about the Alou family of brothers and sons. Pedro Martinez brother pitched a no hitter and was considered to be the better pitcher early on. I even saw an interview with Pedro recently about how everyone thought he was small and the Expos only got him as a favor to his brother. The Drew family was solid, too. Tim Drew was a fringe player but JD and Stephen were stars. Pretty crazy when one brother becomes a major league pitcher, another brother becomes an all-star outfielder and the third brother becomes an all star shortstop. They really covered their bases on that one. I am sure there are more. Of course you can’t forget Bobby and Barry Bonds. Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras little brother is a solid catcher for the Braves right now. The Molina brothers were 3 great catchers. The Upton brothers were both top 2 overall draft picks and had solid MLB careers. Phil and Joe Niekro were both startng pitchers. Who am I missing?
Ken Brett didn’t quite have the same career as George.
Dom DiMaggio DID have a decent career, missing 3 prime years while in the military.
I think we’re overlooking the most famous brothers to play in MLB, Marvelous Marv and Fay Throneberry…..well almost famous.
Remember Joe Niekro’s son briefly played 3rd for the Gaints a few years back.
Let’s not forget the Juice Brothers Jason and Jeremy.
The Doggers traded Pedro Martinez for Desheilds dad. That was the biggest part of his career being traded for Pedro..
Don’t forget Hank & Tommie Aaron. All time brothers home run leaders (Tommie had 13)
Cecil and Prince were both portly.
.801 OPS seems really good for a speedy and defensive 4th outfielder. Did they think it was unsustainable? Does it have something to do with DD Sr.?
I think it has more to do with opening a 40 man roster spot ahead of the offseason and the Rule V draft
Then there is former slugger Dante Bichette who could rake and now one is his sons Bo Bichette is on the way to stardom but the older son Dante Jr. got skipped over in the talent pool.
It is strange but we can’t all be like our fathers and or brothers.
My dad pitched against Reggie Jackson when Reggie was a SunDevil. My dad tried out for the Cubs but didn’t make it.
I went oh for 13 in high school my senior year, so yeah sometimes the apple does fall far from the tree!
I’d like to see DeShields Jr back with the Reds next year. I thought he did a decent job in limited playing time and he could be a valuable bench piece on next years club. He may not be a star but he might just be the right complimentary player to give them a few good at bats and innings when called upon.
Type of bench guy I wouldn’t mind seeing playing in queens.
Well he is playing in the Queen City.