MLB free agency: Three likely landing spots for Marcus Semien
By Nick Stevens
The Cincinnati Reds need a shortstop and could be a landing spot for Marcus Semien.
It’s difficult to get a good grasp on how exactly the Cincinnati Reds plan on addressing their roster needs ahead of the 2021 season, but they certainly need a shortstop and Marcus Semien on a one-year deal makes sense here.
Trevor Bauer is gone, Sonny Gray and even Luis Castillo are on the trade block, but the NL Central is a wide-open division next season and despite last year’s failed attempt to go for it all and current financial restraints, the Reds are still in a position to make a few smart moves to keep in the mix for a divisional title in 2021.
With Chicago dealing away their ace and Cy Young contender in Yu Darvish as part of a salary dump and now currently shopping Willson Contreras, the Pirates beginning an extreme tank job, and the Brewers not expecting to be very active this winter, the Reds can realistically compete next season with only the St. Louis Cardinals appearing to be somewhat eager to improve their roster.
Jose Garcia is probably the shortstop of the future for the Reds, but a little more seasoning in the minor leagues next year wouldn’t hurt the 22-year-old who made the jump from High-A to the big leagues in 2020.
Andrelton Simmons could be another cheaper route for the Reds to take, but the upside that Marcus Semien brings to the table could provide a few different benefits to Cincinnati.