Cincinnati Reds: Three moves for the offseason
After going all-in on the postseason for 2020, the Cincinnati Reds are tearing their roster down. Let’s look at three possible moves they could make this offseason.
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the Cincinnati Reds had high hopes for the upcoming season as they were looking to end their postseason drought. That ended up happening, albeit due to the expanded playoffs in what was a shortened 2020 campaign.
That shortened season, and the lack of fans in the stadium, is again rearing its head in Cincinnati. Just a year after having such high hopes and postseason aspirations, the Reds are looking to sell everything possible. Players such as Sonny Gray, Eugenio Suarez, Mike Moustakas, and even Luis Castillo have been mentioned as potentially being on the trade block.
Even with those possible trades, the Cincinnati Reds could be active in free agency, even if the goal is to acquire more long term assets. Let’s take a look at three players the Reds could consider.
Chris Archer
As the Cincinnati Reds look to restock their farm system and rebuild, they will need to take a gamble on some lottery tickets. Chris Archer is the type of pitcher that could be exactly that.
Considered a top of the rotation arm during his time in Tampa Bay, Archer was never able to live up to that billing with the Pirates. He struggled to a 6-12 record, along with a 4.92 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP in his 172 innings, striking out 203 batters with 73 walks. Archer then missed the entire 2020 campaign after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
At this point, Archer is damaged goods. He would be looking for a one year make good contract, hoping to re-establish his value and land a better contract in the following offseason. However, he is also a possible lottery ticket, and the type of arm that a rebuilding team could flip for a prospect or two if he is healthy.
Chris Archer may not cost much in free agency, and he could have a high return on investment. As the Cincinnati Reds have at least one opening in the rotation, he could be worth a look.
Jonathan Villar
If the Cincinnati Reds do end up moving on from Eugenio Suarez and/or Mike Moustakas, they will need to find some infield depth. Jonathan Villar could be the perfect option.
After posting a career year in 2019, Villar struggled in the abbreviated season. Between his time with the Marlins and Blue Jays, he posted a .232/.301/.292 batting line, hitting two homers and five doubles. While he did manage to steal 16 bases, Villar also led the NL as he was caught five times.
Villar is also not exactly a great defensive player. While he has plenty of experience at second, short, and third, he has graded out as a below average defensive player at each position. However, he could be a useful utility man, or even a stopgap at any of those positions for a year.
There have been seasons where Villar was a catalyst atop the lineup. He appeared to be a building block for the Brewers in 2016 when he led the NL in steals. If he can put together another above average season while playing several spots on the infield, he could be the type of player that the Cincinnati Reds could flip at the deadline.
The Reds may need infielders, especially if the trade market becomes active. Jonathan Villar could be a solid pickup at a low cost.
Roberto Osuna
With Raisel Iglesias having been dealt to the Angels, the Cincinnati Reds will need a new closer. Roberto Osuna could be a bargain.
Osuna had established himself as one of the best young closers in the game. Although he will be just 26 years old before the start of the 2021 season, he has notched 155 saves, and has three seasons with over 35 saves. He could still be a key piece in the bullpen for years to come.
However, there are concerns when it comes to Osuna. He had been suspended for 75 games due to violating the league’s domestic violence policy in 2018. Osuna also lasted just four games last season before elbow issues caused him to miss the rest of the season. While he is throwing once again, there is concern that he could eventually need Tommy John surgery.
But Osuna would not be just a one year gamble. He still has one more year of team control left through arbitration, and could be a bargain for the upcoming season. Although the Reds are rebuilding, Osuna, if healthy, could be a part of the answer for the long term.
Next. Nationals, Reds discussing Eugenio Suarez trade. dark
The Cincinnati Reds will have plenty of holes if their rebuilding plans occur. Those three free agents could help fill the gaps and accelerate the timeline.