The Cincinnati Reds are hoping to make some incremental progress this coming season after losing 100 games last year.
One of many reasons the team struggled was the number of injuries.
One player in particular, catcher Tyler Stephenson, spent a lot of time on the injured list.
His season was cut short in July when he injured his arm in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
But Stephenson is preparing to bounce back from his injury-plagued season and do damage for the Reds in 2023.
The 26-year-old stopped by MLB Network to discuss his preparations for the new season and his goals of getting more at-bats.
Catcher/DH/1B? @Tyler_Step22 is willing to do whatever it takes to get as many at-bats as possible.
(🎥 @MLBNetwork) pic.twitter.com/PWHFR5Euha
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 1, 2023
Stephenson started by discussing some of the prospects the Reds have within their pipeline and the excitement the club is feeling about the future of these players.
The Reds catcher was then asked about potentially getting more at-bats in 2023 and the possibility of catching a little bit less.
Stephenson said that he and manager David Bell had discussions at the end of the season about potentially playing a little bit more at first base and taking at-bats from the designated hitter position.
He also discussed his relationship with catcher Curt Casali and how a veteran presence in the clubhouse will benefit some of their younger pitchers, most notably Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft.
Finally, the Reds catcher was asked about what he has learned from veteran Joey Votto.
Stephenson talked about growing up and watching Votto and how it all has come full-circle for him, as the two are now close friends.
He praised Votto for being a great mentor and even stated that he believes the veteran first baseman should be in the Hall of Fame.
NEXT: The Reds Continue To Make Minor Offseason Moves
