Cincinnati Reds: Three moves for the offseason
By David Hill
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.