This afternoon a previous AP writer and plugged in Mets columnist is stating that a former Cincinnati Reds legend and fan favorite Jesse Winker is “nearing a deal with the #Reds.” His name is Mark C. Healey on X. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
12/3/24 Update:
Mark is now walking back his claims of the Reds being close to an agreement with Winker. He is now stating:
Does This Make Sense?
I think the answer is yes. Jesse Winker had a resurgent year in 2024 posting 2.0 bWAR while slashing .253/.360/.405/.764 with an 118 OPS+. I would imagine him getting a bulk supply of his ABs against RHP as a “stop gap” for Will Benson. Considering the Reds traded India, their pound for pound leadoff guy, I think there’s actually some smoke here although I’ve personally not heard anything, and wouldn’t be entirely positive that Mark has scoop with the Reds. However, and you’re gonna wanna read past this…
As I mentioned above, Jesse Winker makes some sense for the Reds because he’ll be on the “cheaper” side, a + bat (118 wRC+ again in ’24,) and perhaps most importantly and why I’m so bullish on this actually being a thing: somebody told me that his daughter’s mother resides in the Ohio/NKY area still, making coparenting far easier. This would be a “family” move, not to mention his love for the Reds (still.)
No indication of it actually happening…
Just to be clear, once more, there is no indication of this actually happening just yet, but Mark is plugged in on the Mets side, and could definitely have a source that way. With Jonathan India now gone, Jesse Winker coming back to leadoff actually makes some sense in my head. His resurgent year last season has me interested. Let’s see it if actually happens!
