2015 in Review: Marlon Byrd, Because Why Not

In the offseason before 2015, the Reds needed a left fielder, as they seemingly have just about every offseason since Adam Dunn was traded.  The Reds weren't going to be competitive in 2015, but they went out and picked up Marlon Byrd from the Phillies for a low-ceiling prospect to fill that need.  He did exactly what should have been expected of him, and then when the Reds finally decided to quit keeping up appearances, Byrd was traded to the Giants for a low-ceiling prospect.  No harm, no foul, I guess.

By the Numbers

96 G, 388 PA, .237/.286/.448, 95 wRC+, 46 R, 19 HR, 42 RBI, 5.9% BB%, 26.0% K%

What was Byrd expected to do?  Hit for solid power - but poor OBP - and probably play not great defense.  Lo and behold, that is exactly what happened.  The OBP may have dipped even a bit more than expected, but his power spiked up a bit to compensate.  The overall result was a slightly worse hitter than he was the previous season, which is usually about the best-case scenario for guys who turn 38 in said season.  Depending on which fielding metrics you like (if any of them), Byrd was somewhere between about 0.5 and 1 WAR in his time with the Reds.

Looking Forward

Byrd's gone.  As mentioned he was shipped to the Giants on August 20 to help them with their stretch run.  Now that the Reds aren't trying to convince anyone (themselves?) they're competitive, Byrd isn't going to have a reunion with his former mates in Cincinnati.  It looks like Byrd fell 6 PAs short of guaranteeing his 2016 option for $8 million gets picked up by the Giants.  Jerks.  Thanks for waiting at least this one season to not yet fall off the age-related cliff, Marlon, and for being a model teammate while here, generally.  Good luck wherever you end up.

Chance of making the 2016 Reds roster: 0.01%