Cincinnati Reds’ Shin-Soo Choo’s stock rising in contract year

CINCINNATI — A revelation who has already exceeded high expectations, center fielder Shin-Soo Choo has been everything and more than the win-now Reds had hoped he’d be from the leadoff spot this season.

At the same time, Choo provides Reds fans with mixed emotions. While there is enjoyment and excitement about the present, there is also angst and concern for what might happen beyond the 2013 season. That’s when Choo can become a free agent.

“I get asked the question a lot: ‘Choo, where do you want to go and where do you want to play?'” said Choo, who was acquired by Cincinnati from the Indians in a three-team trade last offseason.

Through just more than a quarter of the season, Choo is batting .300 with a team-leading nine home runs, 19 RBIs and a Major League-leading 12 hit-by-pitches in 45 games. His .449 on-base percentage is second behind teammate Joey Votto in the National League, and it buries the .254 OBP Cincinnati got from various leadoff hitters in 2012.

“I think he’s fit in real well,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “He’s really become a great teammate that I think is well admired by his teammates. He’s been just a big plus to our club. He is the lift we were looking for, offensively.”

Choo, who turns 31 on July 13, has provided excellent production, not just for a surging 29-18 Reds team seeking to repeat as division champions of the NL Central and reach the World Series, but for Choo himself. It’s the kind of year any player about to hit the open market would want.

It also means Choo, who is making $7.3 million this season, won’t be a cheap re-sign. He is expected to be a headlining name among next winter’s free-agent class.

In other words, Reds fans, enjoy Choo while he’s around and don’t take his time in Cincinnati for granted.

via Cincinnati Reds' Shin-Soo Choo's stock rising in contract year | MLB.com: News.