Reds: Where should Elly play in 2026?

Where should Elly play in 2026?

When Mark Sheldon (MLB.com) recently asked Nick Krall if there were plans to move Elly off shortstop, Krall said “As of right now, no.”

Elly had led MLB in errors each of the last two seasons, 26 errors in 2025, 29 in 2024.

I’m not opposed to the Cincinnati Reds moving Elly to centerfield. I’m just not sure what the rush is.

He’s 23 years old. He’s played a total of 382 games at SS.

Keep this in mind…………..guys can develop, mature and improve as fielders. I'd also argue Elly's defense was at least somewhat impact by his leg issues during the season, and even taking his offensive slump with him into the field.

And it’s not like there is an obvious answer for who then plays shortstop and who takes over at second base.

Are you convinced:

-Matt McLain can move to SS, AND is going to hit next season?

-Edwin Arroyo, after not playing above Double-A, is ready to play MLB SS for a team already offensively challenged?

-Sal Stewart can play MLB 2B? He appeared in a total of 17 games at 2B in 20025, but not once with the Reds after his 18 game call-up.

-Gavin Lux can play 2B every day? His -4 defensive runs saved ranked 170th among everyone that appeared at 2B this past season.

Perspective: Shortstops (repost from earlier this summer)

Derek Jeter: 56 errors at age 19 and 29 errors at age 21

Robin Yount: 44 errors age 19, 30 errors age 22

Dave Concepcion: 27 errors age 28 and age 31, 30 errors age 26

Barry Larkin: 29 errors at age 24

Omar Vizquel: 25 errors age 20 and age 21

Ozzie Smith: 25 errors age 23, 22 errors age 33

Alan Trammell: 26 errors age 21

Cal Ripken: 25-25-26 errors, age 22-23-24

Conclusion:

If Arroyo takes the next step at Triple-A in 2026, and Elly doesn’t improve in the field in 2026, I’m wide open to having further discussions.

I’m fine with waiting and finding out, before taking the next step