Encarnacion-Strand to lean on Votto's influence at first base

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand likely knew the question was coming -- perhaps in the same way as if a pitcher was tipping his pitch.

For Encarnacion-Strand, does it feel like he's replacing a franchise icon in Joey Votto?

“Tough question. I really don’t know how to answer that one," Encarnacion-Strand said at first.

Then the 24-year-old, who made his Major League debut last season and often prefers to remain away from media attention, found the perfect -- and most appropriate -- answer after all.

“He’s such a good ballplayer. I don’t think anybody can really replace Joey," Encarnacion-Strand said. "I am going to do my best to play the position as well as I can for the team.”

A third baseman in the Twins organization when the Reds acquired him and a Minor League pitcher in the Aug. 2, 2022 trade for starting pitcher Tyler Mahle, the right-handed hitting Encarnacion-Strand was viewed by Cincinnati as its future first baseman.

At Spring Training 2023, Encarnacion-Strand received tutorials at his new position. One of the most helpful with the transition was Votto, who was rehabilitating from left shoulder surgery.

Those conversations with Votto continued at Triple-A Louisville, when Votto was there on a rehab assignment, and again in the big leagues after he debuted in the Majors on July 17.

Going into 2024, Encarnacion-Strand has done 90 percent of his field work at first base, but still takes grounders at third base and sometimes fly balls in the outfield. He made it clear he has become comfortable at first base, where he is likely to play most often this season.

“It was just getting the reps. That’s what was big last year," he said. "I was starting out in Triple-A and got a lot of reps. I was able to work with Joey a lot and the big league staff on defense. It’s all just been super helpful.”

The Reds decided in November not to pick up Votto's $20 million option. Part of the reason for moving on from the likely future Hall of Famer after 17 seasons was because the club wanted to go all-in with its young players -- including Encarnacion-Strand.

It doesn't mean there are no mentors for Encarnacion-Strand to look to. Cincinnati signed 30-year-old free agent Jeimer Candelario, who is also a corner infielder and will likely get some time at first base.

"I met him last year when we played in Chicago [against the Cubs]," Encarnacion-Strand said of Candelario. "He can hit, but I also saw him a lot on first base so we got to talk a lot last year. I liked him last year and now we get to be teammates, it’s awesome.”

Candelario, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract and is expected to provide veteran leadership among the infielders, already likes what he has seen in Encarnacion-Strand.

“I see a guy that wants to succeed and be able to establish himself in the big leagues," Candelario said. "He’s got a lot of talent. He’s a nice guy. He’s a guy that wants to work and compete every single day. You want that on your team.”

As for the Votto issue?

“You have to be yourself," Candelario said. "You have to go out there and do whatever he has to do to help the team win and not worry about other things -- the stuff he can’t control. He’s putting himself in a great position to have a really nice season.”

Encarnacion-Strand, who batted .270 with an .805 OPS and 13 home runs in 63 games for the Reds last season, began his spring 1-for-7, with a booming triple off the center-field wall on Thursday vs. the Dodgers.

He also has other people in his corner.

The most important is his grandfather, Clifford Strand, who resides in Northern California. After last season, Encarnacion-Strand gifted his grandfather one of his No. 33 game jerseys.

“My Grandpa raised me, and my Grandma -- but she passed. He’s not doing the best, so it was awesome to be able to give him that jersey. He sits and watches the games every day," Encarnacion-Strand said. “He has the jersey up in a case. I had him sign it too, so I have his signature on my jersey. That was the way to go.”

Reds manager David Bell hasn't put much thought into Encarnacion-Strand replacing a fan favorite like Votto, but wasn't worried about any problems.

"There’s just so much support here," Bell said. "There’s inherent pressure when you get to the big leagues. There’s enough other motivators that you have to be aware of. It definitely hasn’t been something that we’re going to make into anything.

“It’s definitely something to be aware of. I think he’s going to handle everything well, including that.”