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Offseason Outlook: Cincinnati Reds

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | October 26, 2012 at 3:47pm CDT

The Reds will look for an outfielder who can bat leadoff this coming offseason.

Guaranteed Contracts

  • Joey Votto, 1B: $242MM through 2023
  • Brandon Phillips, 2B: $60MM through 2017
  • Jay Bruce, OF: $43MM through 2016
  • Aroldis Chapman, RP: 21.75MM through 2020
  • Johnny Cueto, SP: $18.2MM through 2014
  • Sean Marshall, RP: $16.5MM through 2015
  • Bronson Arroyo, SP: $11.5MM through 2013
  • Nick Masset, RP: $3.1MM through 2013
  • Ryan Hanigan, C: $2.15MM through 2013
  • Jose Arredondo, RP: $1.2MM through 2013

Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)

  • Bill Bray, RP: $1.5MM (third time eligible, non-tender candidate)
  • Homer Bailey, SP $5.1MM (second time eligible)
  • Wilson Valdez, UT: $1MM (second time eligible, non-tender candidate)
  • Mat Latos, SP: $4.6MM (first time eligible)
  • Mike Leake, SP: $2.9MM (first time eligible)
  • Drew Stubbs, OF: $2.9MM (first time eligible)
  • Chris Heisey, OF: $1.3MM (first time eligible)
  • Alfredo Simon, RP: $800K (first time eligible)
  • Logan Ondrusek, RP: $900K (first time eligible, non-tender candidate)

Contract Options

  • Ryan Madson, RP: $11MM mutual option with a $2.5MM buyout
  • Ryan Ludwick, OF: $5MM mutual option with a $500K buyout

Free Agents

  • Scott Rolen, Jonathan Broxton, Miguel Cairo, Dioner Navarro

The Reds addressed some of their most pressing long-term needs this past spring, when they signed Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips to contract extensions worth a total approaching $300MM. After 97 regular season wins and an NL Central title, Walt Jocketty's roster still seems strong. The GM will likely pursue an outfielder who can bat leadoff and add relief depth in the offseason ahead.

Mat Latos - Reds (PW)

Jocketty already took care of one major move, re-signing manager Dusty Baker to a two-year extension. The veteran skipper returns with the expectation that he'll have a similarly competitive roster in 2013.

The team's most pressing need exists in the outfield, as Ryan Ludwick will decline his side of the mutual option on his contract. The Reds could re-sign Ludwick — they do have interest — or pursue a leadoff hitter. Jocketty has indicated adding a leadoff man will be a priority (and no, it doesn't sounds as though the Reds expect speedy shortstop-turned-outfield prospect Billy Hamilton to be ready by Opening Day 2013).

The free agent market includes potential leadoff hitters such as Michael Bourn, Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino. While these players will enter the offseason as top free agents seeking multiyear commitments, others, like Juan Pierre, will be more affordable. Mark Sheldon has suggested Coco Crisp could be a trade target for Cincinnati following Oakland's acquisition of Chris Young. A short-term option such as Pierre or Crisp might make most sense for the Reds if they believe Hamilton will be an impact leadoff hitter within a year or so.

It should also be noted that the Reds could acquire a center fielder and re-sign Ludwick. Drew Stubbs continues to struggle against right-handed pitching, so limiting his exposure to righties would be a positive, at least from an offensive standpoint. And while we're discussing outfielders let's make it clear that the chances of Josh Hamilton signing with Cincinnati are quite slim. As John Fay recently explained, the team wouldn't have room on its payroll.

The infield seems set for 2013, with Todd Frazier expected to start at third base in place of Scott Rolen. Rolen, a 37-year-old free agent, has said he's not sure whether he'll retire or continue playing. If he's open to returning as a part-time player, he could be a fit on Cincinnati's bench. The Reds will also need a backup middle infielder, assuming they non-tender Wilson Valdez. A Ronny Cedeno-type player could provide the Reds with the insurance they need up the middle while prospect Didi Gregorius develops.

Five pitchers started 161 of the Reds' 162 games in 2012 and, not coincidentally, no National League team allowed fewer runs in 2012. Though it'd be unreasonable to expect similar effectiveness and health again in 2013, Jocketty won't have an easy time convincing free agent starters to sign in Cincinnati. As of now there doesn't seem to be much opportunity on this starting staff. So how does a general manager maintain depth when he doesn’t have jobs to offer up? As the Brewers demonstrated in 2012, teams can avoid the problem by having a system that includes pitchers who could step into the MLB rotation. Left-hander Tony Cingrani might be able to fill this role for the Reds in 2013. While Aroldis Chapman would also be an intriguing rotation option, it's probably not a transition the Reds would want to make midseason. It'd also be prudent to seek starting depth in minor league deals or trades when possible.

The Reds' arbitration class includes a number of non-tender candidates in Valdez, Bill Bray and Logan Ondrusek. They've also got a pair of extension candidates in Mat Latos (pictured) and Homer Bailey. The Reds have signed ten players to extensions since the beginning of the 2010 calendar year, more than any team except the Rockies (the Reds are tied with Blue Jays and Giants at ten). Given Jocketty's recent history, it won’t be surprising if Latos or Bailey gets a multiyear deal.

The contract of reliever Ryan Madson includes a mutual option for 2013 that won't be exercised. The right-hander didn't throw a pitch for Cincinnati, missing the entire 2012 season to undergo Tommy John surgery. Though the Reds will decline their side of the mutual option, Madson could be a fit on a one-year, incentive-based deal. It's unclear if the Reds will discuss re-signing Jonathan Broxton, who pitched well in 25 appearances after Jocketty acquired him in a midseason trade. Retaining one of these relievers or signing another comparable pitcher would make sense, especially if Jocketty's entertaining the idea of using Chapman as a starter. Alternatively, they could wait for bargains or add bullpen depth on minor league deals. 

The Reds resemble the Cardinals in that their list of offseason needs appears to be relatively short. Jocketty will pursue outfield help, acquire some backup infielders and bolster his pitching staff this offseason. If he completes those goals within the next few months, the Reds will head to Spring Training with a team capable of repeating as division winners. 

Photo courtesy of US Presswire.

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Cincinnati Reds Offseason Outlook

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Post a Comment

20 Comments

  1. pastlives

    13 years ago

    chapman’s locked up through2020? really?

    Reply
    • Leachpunk

      13 years ago

      Yeah that must be a mistake, Baseball Reference has him listed as arbitration eligible in 2015 and free-agent in 2017.

      Reply
    • Kevin Yochim

      13 years ago

      Nope. Through 2014 with ’15 option

      Reply
      • Leachpunk

        13 years ago

        If things continue to progress, that option may very well be a steal.

        Reply
    • Vampire Weekend at Bernie's

      13 years ago

      The Reds own the rights to Chapman’s contract through the end of the 2016 season. The only way that could change is if he is optioned for an extended period of time or taken off the roster.

      Reply
  2. safari_punch

    13 years ago

    What an ugly, ugly contract Votto has. Wow.

    Reply
    • TophersReds

      13 years ago

      Until you look at his production. If he was on your team, I’m sure you wouldn’t be making that comment. You’re naive if you don’t believe that Votto is an elite first baseman, and that is the kind of contract elite 1st basemen get (a la Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder with similar contracts). He is a soft spoken leader that doesn’t get into trouble and works hard at his craft. That is the type of person you give a quarter-billion dollar contract to.

      Reply
      • Goat_Rider

        13 years ago

        All three of those contracts are really bad. Not absorbing those two years Votto had left may make it even worse.

        Reply
        • TophersReds

          13 years ago

          The latter of the contract probably will be bad, but that’s the price you pay to get him in his prime. Also, those contracts will look like steals in 6 or 7 years when players of their caliber in the future sign 10 year $320M plus contracts.

          Reply
          • Goat_Rider

            13 years ago

            Yeah, I suppose I can see that. We will probably get a taste of it this offseason. Huge TV contracts, teams locking their homegrowns to long contracts early, and weak free agent classes equaling unusually high paydays very well could be new norm.

            Reply
      • redsFAN86

        13 years ago

        I couldn’t agree more.

        Reply
    • Lunchbox45

      13 years ago

      .474 OBP.

      the end

      Reply
      • safari_punch

        13 years ago

        Yes. He’s going to do that for the reminder of his contract.

        Reply
        • Lunchbox45

          13 years ago

          the smallest fraction of players do.

          you pay him the have him during his peak, its always been like that and will always be like that

          Reply
  3. redsFAN86

    13 years ago

    What to do with chapman…. Another offseason debating that.

    Reply
  4. Dominic Moriardi

    13 years ago

    I wouldn’t be surprised if they were aggressive with Bourn. I understand that BHamilton is close, but so is this team; they’re in the position to seriously contend every year for the next 3 or 4 years in their division, and another semi-elite bat at the top of the order would allow Phillips to drop down and give this the lineup the depth that it needs.

    Reply
    • Darrin Fogle

      13 years ago

      So much agree on Bourn. There is no garauntee Hamilton can hit or play defense at major league level. And it looks like 2014. Meanwhile Bourn is very proven. He will cost, but the time is now. How about 2 speedsters at the top? I really like Bronson Arroyo but now would be the time to dump his salary for next year by trade for prospects. I know that is a small fraction of money to get Bourn, but it would help. Cingarni and or Chapman into the rotation to replace Arroyo.

      Reply
      • Joe C.

        13 years ago

        Arroyo has a no trade clause, and IF he were to void it, all the money they have deferred for him is owed in full. He’s not going anywhere.

        Reply
  5. $1742854

    13 years ago

    Billy Hamilton’s link to his stats bring the guy from the late 19th C. Ironically, they have the same stolen base stats!

    Reply
  6. chowdah219

    13 years ago

    Would the Reds be interested in a deal involving Jacoby Ellsbury for 1 year until Hamilton is ready?

    Reply

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