The Cincinnati Reds put in a significant attempt to try and compete in 2020, but things didn’t go as planned. While the Reds are hopeful they can try to contend in 2021, the team let a few prominent players go this offseason while concentrating more on possible replacements.
The team allowed one of its top starting pitchers to depart this offseason. They also focused more on finding younger prospects for their farm system, especially since there’s uncertainty over where some of the team’s best players will go this year.
Here’s a look at some of the free agency efforts the Reds put in and how they’re going to influence the team this coming year.
Pitching Points
The most significant free agency move for the Cincinnati Reds came from them declining a qualifying offer for starting pitcher Trevor Bauer. He was aiming to be the Reds’ top starter, as he had a 1.73 ERA and a hundred strikeouts last year.
Bauer eventually left for the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year deal. Fellow starter Anthony DeSclafani also left for the San Francisco Giants on a one-year contract.
2021 Spring Training schedule update #RedsST 🌵⚾️ pic.twitter.com/Y4uuObkrUa
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 12, 2021
The Reds will still have Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo at the top of their rotation. But whether the team will keep them or trade them midway through the season remains unclear.
The team acquired a few starting pitching prospects on the free agency market, including Brandon Bailey from the Houston Astros and Bo Takahashi from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Both players are expected to start the season with the AAA Louisville Bats, but they might enter the Reds’ rotation if the team makes any trades.
Raisel Iglesias isn’t the only bullpen pitchers who left the team this offseason. Archie Bradley signed a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Matt Bowman signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
The team also acquired Sean Doolittle from the Washington Nationals. The reliever will compete with Amir Garrett and Lucas Sims for save opportunities.
The Rest of the Roster
The Reds did bring in a few new players, but they aren’t as exciting as what fans wished they would collect. The team purchased the contract of infielder Kyle Holder from Philadelphia.
Catcher Deivy Grullon was acquired off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. He will likely start the season in Louisville. Whether he will move forward depends on whether Tyler Stephenson chooses to focus on the catching position or to move to first base.
The club also acquired many other prominent prospects that might play a part this season if the Reds sell off some players. They acquired utility infielder Cheslor Cuthbert from the Chicago White Sox and outfielder Dwight Smith from the Baltimore Orioles.
The team also has a few new relief pitchers in the system, including John Osich from the Chicago White Sox and Art Warren from the Texas Rangers.
Where the Reds Fit in This Season
The Cincinnati Reds didn’t do many things on the free agency market, as they lost more quality players than they gained. The team could potentially sell off some of their top players on the trade market.
The club is aiming to groom young players like Aristides Aquino and Eugenio Suarez into their next major stars. The team also has high hopes for starting pitchers Tyler Mahle and Michael Lorenzen.
But the club has too many questions marks as to whether they will be competitive. The lack of action on the free agency market won’t help the team all that much.
Expect the Reds to be in the middle of the NL Central this season. They might still compete for a playoff spot, especially with the Chicago Cubs starting to break its roster apart and the Pittsburgh Pirates not being very competitive.
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