Rece Hinds might not be a household name yet, but the Cincinnati Reds’ right fielder is carving out a unique place in baseball history with every swing. In just 30 career games across two seasons, Hinds has turned heads with his knack for extra-base hits, racking up 13 of them among his 15 total hits. That’s a jaw-dropping stat—per the Reds, he’s the only player since 1900 to have that many extra-base hits at this point in their career. It’s the kind of record that makes you double-check the box score, and it’s got Reds fans buzzing about what this 24-year-old can do with more time in the lineup.
This season, Hinds has only stepped to the plate in six games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville in May, but he’s already leaving his mark. Batting .176 with 3 hits, 2 home runs, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored, his average might not scream “superstar,” but those numbers don’t tell the whole story. His power’s undeniable—both of his homers this year have been clutch, including a bomb in Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians that helped seal a three-game sweep and extend Cincinnati’s win streak to four. That’s the kind of pop that can change a game, and for a Reds team hovering at 24-24, every big hit counts.
Hinds’ story isn’t just about raw power; it’s about making the most of limited chances. Last year, he hit .261 with 5 homers, 11 RBIs, 4 doubles, and a triple in 24 starts, showing he can produce when given the nod. This season, he’s doing it again, even with just a handful of games under his belt. His 13 extra-base hits (8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 homers) out of 15 total hits give him a slugging percentage that jumps off the page, and it’s no fluke—Hinds has a knack for barreling up pitches and driving them into gaps or over the wall.
The Reds, meanwhile,“are finding their groove. Their pitching, long a sore spot, is finally showing signs of life, with a 3.58 team ERA that ties them with the Yankees for ninth in the majors. Combine that with an offense sparked by young studs like Hinds and shortstop Elly De La Cruz—who just made history as the first player since 1900 with 115 extra-base hits and stolen bases in his first 300 games—and you’ve got a team that’s starting to look dangerous. The weekend sweep of the Guardians was a statement, but sustaining that momentum is the real test.
Up next, Cincinnati heads to Pittsburgh for a three-game set against the Pirates, starting Monday. It’s a chance to climb above .500 for the first time since May 4, and Hinds could be the X-factor. If he keeps swinging like he did against Cleveland, those limited starts might turn into a regular spot in the lineup. For a Reds team with playoff dreams, Hinds’ power is a weapon they can’t afford to keep on the bench. Keep an eye on this kid—he’s not just chasing hits; he’s chasing history.
