Cincinnati Reds
Alternatively, we have the more outside shout of the Cincinnati Reds, who may not be traditional big spenders like the Mets, but still have a need to address their outfield. They are entering the season as a genuine contender, after surprisingly reaching the postseason in 2025.
Last season, the Reds’ outfield unit ranked 22nd in baseball with a 94 wRC+ and 2.9 fWAR.
Now, their current center field option, TJ Friedl, is coming off a rather productive season. He hit .261 with 14 HR, 53 RBI, 12 stolen bases and a 109 wRC+.
However, none of this compares to Robert’s aforementioned career heights. Moreover, defensively, Friedl’s -10 DRS, 1 OAA and 0 FRV season in 2025 comes nowhere near Robert’s 0 DRS, 7 OAA and 7 FRV campaign.
The lineup protection, apart from Elly De La Cruz, may be a lot more underwhelming in Cincinnati compared to New York. However, they don’t call Great American Ball Park “Great American Small Park” for nothing. The ball flies out of the outfield confines very easily, second most easily in baseball in fact, according to Statcast’s park factors, so perhaps this is a way to unlock Robert’s power.
The Reds are likely aiming to be competitive once again in 2025 in the Terry Francona era, so if the White Sox can eat some of the money left on Robert’s deal, he could make a lot of sense in the heart of Cincinnati’s lineup.