The Cincinnati Reds made a significant move to enhance their outfield and bench depth by acquiring Austin Slater from the San Francisco Giants. This transaction, however, appears to have shifted their focus away from pursuing Brent Rooker as a coveted deadline target.
Slater was brought in for left-handed reliever Alex Young, plus cash considerations, addressing the Reds’ need for a player who excels against left-handed pitching. This acquisition is crucial for a Cincinnati outfield that has struggled offensively against lefties and has been hampered by injuries.
In evaluating whether Brent Rooker would have been a better fit than Austin Slater, it’s important to note their respective strengths and weaknesses. Rooker is renowned for his power hitting, particularly as a pull-hitter who could benefit from Great American Ball Park’s favorable conditions for right-handed batters. However, his defensive capabilities are limited, having played only a handful of games in the outfield in 2024.
On the other hand, Slater offers defensive versatility, having played primarily in right field this season while capable of filling in at all outfield positions and even first base if necessary. Despite his modest defensive metrics, Slater compares favorably to several injured Reds outfielders and improves upon current options like Will Benson and Spencer Steer.
The A's first hit is a Brent Rooker bomb 💣 pic.twitter.com/3fn4JwLX8Y
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) July 3, 2024
The decision to acquire Slater suggests the Reds prioritize immediate defensive reinforcement and roster flexibility over pursuing Rooker’s offensive prowess. This move could signify that Cincinnati is preparing for additional trades closer to the deadline or opting to manage through their current injury challenges with existing resources.
Ultimately, while Rooker’s offensive potential is enticing, Slater’s ability to address immediate defensive needs and provide roster versatility may better align with the Reds’ current strategy and roster composition.
