3 moves for the Cincinnati Reds this offseason

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.

Kyle Farmer could be a valuable piece for a contending team. It is worth it for the Cincinnati Reds to explore his trade value.