GOODYEAR, Ariz. Reds initially baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand most likely recognized the question was coming possibly in the same way as if a pitcher was tipping his Encarnacion-Strand, does it seem like he's changing a franchise symbol in Joey Votto?" Hard concern. I really do not understand how to address that one,Encarnacion-Strand said at the 24-year-old, that made his Big league launching last season and often likes to stay far from limelights, discovered the perfect and most proper response nevertheless. " He's such a great ballplayer. I don't believe any person can really replace Joey,Encarnacion-Strand said. I am mosting likely to do my ideal to play the position in addition to I can for the team. " A third baseman in the Twins organization when the Reds obtained him and a Minor League pitcher in the Aug. 2, 2022 profession for beginning pitcher Tyler Mahle, the right-handed hitting Encarnacion-Strand was seen by Cincinnati as its future first Springtime Educating 2023, Encarnacion-Strand obtained tutorials at his new setting. Among the most valuable with the change was Votto, who was fixing up from left shoulder discussions with Votto proceeded at Triple-A Louisville, when Votto was there on a rehab project, and once again in the major leagues after he debuted in the Majors on July 17. Going right into 2024, Encarnacion-Strand has done 90 percent of his field operate at initial base, yet still takes grounders at third base and sometimes fly balls in the outfield. He made it clear he has actually become comfortable at very first base, where he is likely to play frequently this makes hitting a round 400+ feet seem Reds March 1, 2024" It was simply obtaining the reps. That's what was large in 2014, he said. I was starting in Triple-A and got a great deal of reps. I was able to work with Joey a lot and the major league team on protection. It's all just been incredibly practical. " The Reds chose in November not to grab Votto's $20 million alternative. Part of the reason for going on from the likely future Hall of Famer after 17 seasons was because the club desired to go all-in with its young players including Encarnacion-Strand. It doesn't suggest there are no coaches for Encarnacion-Strand to want to. Cincinnati authorized 30-year-old totally free representative Jeimer Candelario, who is additionally a corner infielder and will likely get some time initially base. I satisfied him in 2014 when we played in Chicago,Encarnacion-Strand stated of can hit, however I likewise saw him a lot on initial base so we reached yap in 2014. I liked him last year and now we reach be colleagues, it's awesome. " Candelario, who authorized a three-year, $45 million agreement and is anticipated to provide seasoned leadership amongst the infielders, already likes what he has actually seen in Encarnacion-Strand. " I see a guy that wishes to succeed and be able to develop himself in the major leagues, Candelario 's obtained a great deal of talent. He's a good person. He's a man that wishes to work and contend every day. You want that on your group. " When it comes to the Votto problem?" You need to be on your own, Candelario have to go available and do whatever he has to do to aid the group win and not bother with various other things the things he can't manage. He's placing himself in a wonderful setting to have a truly wonderful period. " Encarnacion-Strand, that batted. 270 with an. 805 OPS and 13 crowning achievement in 63 ready the Reds last period, began his springtime 1-for-7, with a thriving triple off the center-field wall on Thursday vs. the 's produced male toughness, CES. Cincinnati Reds March 1, 2024He also has other individuals in his most vital is his grandfather, Clifford Hair, that resides in Northern The golden state Reds Shorts. After last period, Encarnacion-Strand gifted his grandfather one of his No. 33 game jackets. " My Grandpa raised me, and my Granny however she passed. He's refraining from doing the ideal, so it was outstanding to be able to provide him that jersey. He sits and sees the games every day,Encarnacion-Strand said. "He has the jersey up in an instance. I had him sign it too, so I have his trademark on my jersey. That was the way to go. " Reds supervisor David Bell hasn't place much idea into Encarnacion-Strand replacing a follower fave like Votto, however had not been fretted regarding any type of problems. There's just so much support here, Bell 's intrinsic pressure when you reach the big leagues. There's enough various other motivators that you have to recognize. It absolutely hasn't been something that we're going to make into anything. " It's certainly something to be knowledgeable about. I assume he's going to deal with whatever well, consisting of that. " .