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MLB Free Agency: Six bold predictions for baseball’s top free agents

By Lucas Friedman

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) rounds the bases after a home run in the seventh inning during Game 6 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) rounds the bases after a home run in the seventh inning during Game 6 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
(Photo by Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

1. The Reds will sign Didi Gregorius and Yasmani Grandal

The Cincinnati Reds have not been competitive for a long time. They last made the playoffs in 2013, and have endured a long rebuild. However, their roster has shown signs of improvement last season under first-year manager David Bell. Their lineup is anchored by Eugenio Suarez, who has emerged as one of the game’s top sluggers. They are loaded with young talent like Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel, and of course, Artistides Aquino. They have a formidable rotation, highlighted by Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo, and Sonny Gray.

However, they have some noticeable holes. These include power hitting from their middle infield and catcher positions. Dick Williams, the Reds’ President of Baseball Operation, indicated that the team plans to be very active this offseason, and have no problem raising their payroll to do so.

The two free agents that have been linked to the Reds are former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Since his trade to the Yankees in 2015, Gregorius has transformed into one of the better hitting shortstops in the league. In five years with the team,  he hit 97 home runs, 360 RBIs, while playing lockdown defense. Tommy John limited his 2019 performance, but he still remains the best option as a shortstop. He appears to be a perfect fit for the Reds, especially since he started his career in Cincinnati.

Yasmani Grandal will be one of the most sought after names in MLB free agency this offseason. Good offensive catchers are hard to come by, and Grandal has been one of the most productive in the league in the past four seasons. This year he set new career highs in home runs, RBIs, and wOBA, while playing stellar defense behind the plate. He also adds versatility as a switch-hitter.

If the Reds wish to take their lineup to the next level, Grandal and Gregorius would make the Reds an underrated contender in 2020.

Contract Prediction: Gregorius, four years/$52 million, Grandal, three years/$55 million.

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