Eugenio Suarez Is Cincinnati Reds' Most Overrated Player So Far In 2016

It is tough to criticize the player who replaced All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier for the Cincinnati Reds. Filling those shoes is a monumental task. However, the media and some fans seem to be apologizing for Eugenio Suarez instead of recognizing him for who he is at this stage of his career.

Suarez got off to a fast start and is tied for the team lead in home runs at six with three of his teammates. He is also third on the team in RBIs and hits. That’s why people are calling him a bright spot on an otherwise hopeless team.

On the other hand, Suarez is batting .238 with an OBP of .299. His hit total is from him playing every day and starting the season as the No. 2 batter in the lineup. His RBIs are also linked to his early power surge which has stalled of late. He has more at-bats than any other Red and has only missed one game to date.

Then there’s the defense. Suarez has the worst fielding percentage among position players for the Reds. He also has the worst range factor among any of the infielders, including both first baseman Joey Votto and utility man Ivan De Jesus. That’s above and beyond the fact that he has been out of position on more than a few plays this season. He is in his first full season as a third baseman, but that doesn’t make up for the times that he has been in the wrong spot as a cutoff man or failed to cover third base when appropriate. The Reds knew there would be some growing pains for Suarez at third, and as the season has progressed, these pains have become more obvious.

Suarez is a young player with a high offensive upside. He has been asked to fill the role of a fan favorite. He’s trying, but the local media isn’t seeing the weaknesses in his game yet.