3 moves for the Cincinnati Reds this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds have already been busy this offseason. After saying that they need to align their roster to their finances, the Reds have gotten rid of their starting catcher and placed Wade Miley on waivers.
The Reds are not done. They are reportedly listening to offers for Luis Castillo and are looking to move anything that is not nailed down. It would not be a shock to see the Reds unload anything they possibly can.
Three moves for Cincinnati Reds this offseason
Fortunately, the Reds do have interesting prospects on the cusp of the majors. And they do have players that they could move to further stock up their farm system. However, they are bypassing a chance to contend in a division that may not have a clear favorite going forward. Time will tell if this is the right decision.
The Cincinnati Reds are tearing it all down to rebuild once more. Let’s look at three more moves they could make this offseason.
A taker for Mike Moustakas
The Cincinnati Reds would love to get rid of Mike Moustakas. That would seemingly be easier said than done.
Moustakas was expected to be a key part of the middle of their lineup, a powerful bat that could help a struggling offense improve. Instead, he has been a disappointment, hitting just 14 homers with an 83 OPS+ over his 369 plate appearances. While he has battled injury, the Reds still owe him $34 million, not including a $4 million buyout of his option for 2024.
That is not a contract that many teams would take on. However, it is possible that the Reds can move on from Moustakas. If there is one franchise out there that loves the Reds’ infielder, it would be the Kansas City Royals. The Royals have also displayed a willingness to bring back their former players regardless of production, such as Wade Davis and Greg Holland.
The Royals also have a contract that they would like to get rid of. Hunter Dozier signed a long term extension following the 2020 season and is due another $21.5 million. While the Royals would take on more salary, the Reds may be able to pay a portion of Moustakas’ contract, or attach a prospect, to make a deal work.
It is possible that the Cincinnati Reds can be rid of Mike Moustakas. They might have to take on another contract, but it could happen.
Be patient when it comes to Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo is the Cincinnati Reds’ best trade chip. They cannot afford to just give him away.
2021 was really a tale of two seasons for the Reds’ ace. He had a miserable start to the season, with a 7.22 ERA and a 1.777 WHiP at the end of May. However, from that point on, he pitched like the top of the rotation arm he can be, making his overall numbers far more palatable.
Castillo has been the type of arm that any contending team would want. Even at his worst, he has been a top of the rotation caliber arm, a solid second to third starter. At best, he is a staff ace, someone that can head up almost any rotation in the game.
That is how the Reds should be marketing him. He is someone who does not give up many homers, takes the ball every fifth day, and strikes out more than a batter an inning. When he is on, he is close to untouchable. If the Twins could get the type of haul they received for Jose Berrios, there is no reason why the Reds cannot do the same with Castillo.
There will be a robust trade market for Luis Castillo. The Cincinnati Reds have to make sure that they stay patient and get the type of return they need for his services.
Sell as high as possible on Kyle Farmer
Kyle Farmer was a complete afterthought for the Cincinnati Reds heading into the 2021 season. He had never received more than 197 plate appearances in a season, and at 30 years old, was not expected to be anything more than a utility infielder.
However, Farmer found himself pressed into starting duty at short last season. He responded with a career year, producing a .263/.316/.416 batting line with 16 homers and 22 doubles in his 529 plate appearances. While Farmer had displayed some pop in the past, hitting nine homers in 197 plate appearances in 2019, no one could have expected that type of season.
Farmer also has plenty of team control left, as he is not eligible for free agency until 2025. He is just entering arbitration this offseason, and should be relatively inexpensive. This is seemingly not the type of player that the Reds would trade.
But it is impossible to count on a repeat of Farmer’s 2021 campaign. It is possible that he is a late bloomer, but he may be much more valuable as a trade chip. His years of team control, and ability to play anywhere around the infield, could make him a surprisingly valuable commodity. The Reds would be able to sell high after his career season.
dark. Next. What are the Reds doing this offseason?
Kyle Farmer could be a valuable piece for a contending team. It is worth it for the Cincinnati Reds to explore his trade value.