Having already shored up their outfield situation in a trade that netted the multi-talented Shin-Soo Choo, the Reds turned their attention to infield depth by adding Jack Hannahan to the fold. Hannahan is a 32-year-old third baseman known primarily (entirely) for his defensive prowess, and he’s the proud owner of a new two-year deal that will pay him $4 million. Hannahan will presumably clean up around the hot corner whenever the Reds need him to spell Todd Frazier. It’s also possible he could see some action in the middle infield.

Hannahan is generally loved by UZR, and from what we’ve read he passes the eye test at third base as well. The man can operate a baseball glove, but the same can’t be said when a bat is concerned. Hannahan hit .244/.312/.341 in 318 PA with the Indians last season, and his career .300 wOBA leaves quite a bit to be desired. The Reds were pretty much looking to add a defense-first presence to their bench, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

It’s kind of surprising that a player like Hannahan could command a two-year deal, but then again this free agent market has been totally weird since it began. There’s not really anything wrong with this deal for the Reds, as now they have some infield insurance and an assured glove to back up the bat-minded Frazier. With the key players already in place, the Reds are down to the business of smoothing out the edges, and that’s what Hannahan is for. He’ll do just fine in the role he’s been given, and he isn’t making enough or taking up too vital of a spot for the deal to be a bad one.

Tagged: Cincinnati Reds, Jack Hannahan, MLB free agent signings, MLB hot stove, MLB transactons