RADIO
Tyler Stephenson 2024 Player Outlook: Optimism Fading Following Down Season
9 months agoCincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson came out with a bang to begin his big-league career, showing the ability to hit for a high average with some pop in a small sample. However, the 2023 season revealed something far different when he hit 13 home runs across more than 500 plate appearances while hitting just .243 along with a .685 OPS. Keep in mind he did this while playing in a home ball park that is No. 1 in terms of home runs allowed while the 27-year-old put forth some concerning Statcast data. Stephenson ranked in the 40th percentile or worse in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, barrel rate, and sweet-spot rate. Additionally, he doesn't run well and is a well-below-average backstop behind the dish, perhaps leaving him without a position moving forward. While he's the team's primary catcher heading into the 2024 season, Stephenson's status is a No. 2 backstop until he can unlock some more pop moving forward.
