Christian Encarnacion-Strand Faces Uphill Battle After Latest Setback in Reds Camp
The Cincinnati Reds made a splash earlier this offseason by signing Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal, a move that immediately shifted the dynamics of their infield and designated hitter plans. And while that signing added depth and veteran presence, it also cast serious doubt on Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s chances of breaking camp with the big-league club. Now, following a recent injury update, those chances may be slipping even further out of reach.
According to Reds beat reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Encarnacion-Strand tweaked his hamstring during offseason training in January. He’s currently on a running progression and could miss the first few games of spring training. For a player in his position - one who’s already fighting for a roster spot - that’s a brutal blow.
Let’s be clear: if there was one player in Goodyear who couldn’t afford to miss time this spring, it was Encarnacion-Strand. The 24-year-old slugger has struggled to stay on the field for the better part of two seasons.
He missed most of 2024 with injuries and had another stop-and-start campaign in 2025, which ended with a demotion to Triple-A Louisville in the second half. Now, with another injury setback before games even begin, his margin for error is virtually gone.
A Promising Rookie Campaign, Then a String of Setbacks
Encarnacion-Strand made waves during his rookie season in 2023, slashing .270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs. He looked like a potential middle-of-the-order bat for years to come.
But since then, the production has fallen off a cliff. Over the past two seasons, he’s appeared in just 65 games and hasn’t hit above the Mendoza line - posting a combined .199/.227/.337 slash line.
Injuries have played a major role, no doubt, but the lack of consistent reps and production has put him in a tough spot heading into 2026.
The hand injury he suffered early in 2024 - a right ulnar styloid fracture - landed him on the 60-day IL and derailed what was supposed to be a bounce-back year. He got some reps in the Arizona Fall League later that year and managed to crack the Reds’ Opening Day roster in 2025. But a lower back injury less than a month into the season sent him back to the IL, and by midseason, he was back in Triple-A.
Depth Chart Realities: Suárez In, Stewart Rising
The Reds’ infield picture is getting more crowded by the day. Suárez is expected to serve as the club’s primary designated hitter while also seeing time at both corner infield spots - the same roles Encarnacion-Strand was vying for.
And then there’s Sal Stewart, the rookie infielder who’s quickly rising through the ranks. The Reds are so high on Stewart that they’re reportedly willing to shift Spencer Steer - a Gold Glove finalist - to the outfield just to make room for him in the everyday lineup.
That’s telling. When a team is rearranging Gold Glove-caliber defenders to make space for a young bat, it’s a clear sign of who’s in the plans - and who’s on the outside looking in.
What’s Next for Encarnacion-Strand?
There’s still time for Encarnacion-Strand to make a push, but the clock is ticking. Spring training is a proving ground, especially for players without guaranteed roster spots. Every rep matters, every at-bat is a chance to show growth - and right now, Encarnacion-Strand is missing those opportunities.
If he can return to full health in time to get meaningful reps before Opening Day, he’ll have a shot to make his case. But given the injuries, the competition, and the front office’s apparent direction, it’s going to take more than just showing up - he’ll need to hit, stay healthy, and force the Reds to make a tough decision.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand still has the talent that once made him one of the more intriguing young bats in the organization. But in a Reds system that’s getting younger, deeper, and more competitive by the day, talent alone won’t be enough. He has ground to make up - and not much time to do it.