3 moves for the Cincinnati Reds this offseason
By David Hill
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.