Cincinnati Reds: From the trade block to the answer

The Cincinnati Reds have had a question at shortstop throughout the offseason. As Freddy Galvis departed via free agency, the Reds watched as virtually every shortstop available went elsewhere. This led to Cincinnati making such moves as signing Dee Strange-Gordon as a possible stopgap at short although he did not appear to be much of an answer.

Instead, the answer may have been right in front of them the entire time. The Reds are considering moving Eugenio Suarez from third to short.

From trade block to the Cincinnati Reds’ answer

Suarez had been the Reds shortstop once before. He had spent his first two seasons in the majors at the position before moving to third in 2016. However, as he is slimmer and in great shape, the Reds are hoping that he can handle the position defensively.

Such a move would theoretically improve the Reds’ defense as a whole. Mike Moustakas would be able to return to third, a position he is far more comfortable with defensively. This would open second for Jonathan India, who has impressed thus far in spring training.

It also completes an interesting offseason for Suarez. He had been on the trade block as the Reds looked to cut salary. The Nationals, in particular, were listed as a suitor, with a deal expected to happen virtually every day for weeks. However, that trade never happened, allowing Cincinnati to potentially have their answer fall into their lap.

The Reds still need to determine if he can handle the position. Suarez has not appeared at short in a regular season game since 2018, and has just six games at short since the end of the 2015 season. But if he can look good there through the rest of spring training, the Reds biggest infield question may have been answered.

Eugenio Suarez had reportedly been on the trade block during the offseason. Now he may be the Cincinnati Reds answer at short.