Reds general manager Nick Krall spoke with reporters (including C. Trent Rosecrans of the Athletic and Mark Sheldon of MLB.com) this afternoon about the club’s winter plans. Unsurprisingly, the Cincinnati front office will be on the lookout for shortstop help in the coming months.
“We lost Freddy Galvis. Shortstop would be something you’d like to address,” Krall replied when asked about the roster’s biggest need. Galvis, who led the Reds with 31 starts at the position last season, is now a free agent. He’d figure to come cheap if Cincinnati wanted to bring him back, but it’s arguable the now-contending Reds should pursue an upgrade at the position regardless.
Krall noted the organization remains high on touted prospect José García, but the 22-year-old slumped to a brutal .194/.206/.194 line over his first 68 MLB plate appearances. Krall didn’t rule out the possibility of García competing for a big league job next spring, but further minor-league seasoning seems likely considering García looked overmatched after making the jump from High-A to the majors this past season.
The top of the free agent shortstop market includes Didi Gregorius, Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons, as well as KBO star Ha-Seong Kim. Cincinnati also makes sense as a potential Francisco Lindor suitor. It’d be a bit surprising to see the Indians trade the face of their franchise to an in-state rival, but the teams did line up on the three-team Trevor Bauer deal last summer.
Speaking of Bauer, he’s now the only ace-caliber pitcher available in free agency. Krall said the Reds have had preliminary, “not substantial” contact with Bauer’s camp to this point. Surely, the Reds would love to keep the reigning NL Cy Young winner in the fold, but they’ll face plenty of competition for his services. Even if Bauer departs, a 2021 rotation led by Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle would be an enviable group.
One other candidate for the rotation is Michael Lorenzen. The 28-year-old, primarily a reliever in recent seasons, hopes to earn a rotation spot in spring training. That’s a possibility, Krall confirmed, but the rest of the Reds’ offseason moves will shape Lorenzen’s ultimate role. Cincinnati has a few high-end bullpen pieces beyond Lorenzen, but the GM noted the organization is looking to lengthen the relief corps, preferably by adding hurlers with minor-league option years remaining. Optionable players are more likely to be found in trade, on waivers, or via minor-league free agency than by shopping at the top of the free agent market. To that end, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Reds make a low-cost bullpen addition or two this winter.
VampWeekAtBern
There is no team more in need of a shortstop. If they don’t address it, all their spending is for naught. They’re going to find something.
bot
W Bell still as manager- it’s already for naught
plem
Couldn’t agree more. Bell is brutal
HalosHeavenJJ
Need a shortstop now, possibly have a prospect that could take the position long term, massive free agent talent boon at shortstop next year.
Be interesting to see how they navigate this.
DarkSide830
i dont see the appeal of Garcia to be honest. seems like a solid prospect but nothing out of this world.
astick
He hasn’t played above high A.
earmbrister
A 22 year old SS, that is already a plus defender, and who hit well in ST. That’s the appeal.
its_happening
Everyone is looking for their Mr March.
DarkSide830
the numbers in the minors just dont really impress me. Usually really good Serie Guys come out mashing in the lower levels but not Garcia. the d is nice but they just had that with Galvis.
bot
He had a breakout 2019. That’s it since reds spent some 10 mil to sign him. Guys like him take a while to groom and in his defense- I think the whole reds team hit 197 last year
gson
Krall will be thorough in evaluating the shortstop position.. but there is no doubt…a pre-negotiated extended contract for Francisco Lindor and one of their too many starting pitchers for a handsome return would cement the needs of the Reds going forward.
Gitterdone !!..
earmbrister
I’d rather sign Didi, Marcus, or Andrelton and give up no talent in return.
Judge_Smails45
Dodgers want Lindor. Indians want Lux. Reds want Seager. It almost happened this year. Won’t be surprised if they revisit that.
BlueJayFan1515
Seager had a really encouraging year though, keep in mind that was when there were some questions surrounding his health and how he would bounce back
MWeller77
Seager also had an incredible postseason: MVP of both the NLCS & the World Series. I don’t see the Dodgers letting him go at this point.
DarkSide830
yeah, but how badly do the Dodgers need Lindor? seems like a waste to move on from Seager when he’s not really far from the player Lindor is and Seager isnt any closer to being a free agent.
jvent
The Mets can send the Reds (Rosario & Matz) for Iglesiasis , helps 2 needs of the Reds
Dalton1017
Elvis Andrus… you would literally have to give up nothing for him and he has the potential to return to being an above average SS
DarkSide830
I think andrus is certainly underappreciated for the solid player he is. paid a little less i think he’d be better recognized
bot
Acquiring a player is more likely than signing a FA for cincy. Didi passed last year so he’s for sure out. And most FA, they usually pass on playing in cincy. They’ll have to most likely over pay to sign a guy. Simmons is worth the risk if they can get him to sign a short term deal
buddydeal
“but it’s arguable the now-contending Reds should pursue an upgrade at the position regardless.”
The now-contending Reds…ha….ha….haha….hahahahaha
Mrtwotone
Well I mean they made the playoffs last year and have great starting pitching and a lineup that is almost certain to improve. So yeah contenders. I’m not even a reds fan
raulp
Tough decision to make, either they look for one or two seasons solution until Garcia is ready or they look for a long term solution at once, which means Garcia would be out of the picture.
123redsox
If they trade for a shortstop which i don’t see necessary since Garcia could be viewed as the future and there are some guys that could fill in until (or they outright sign a long term shortstop) , garcia would likely be going in the package
Mrtwotone
The article states that Bauer is the only ace caliber pitcher in FA. I disagree though I certainly think Charlie Morton is “ace caliber”.
bot
Grandpa Morton ??
Tampa should have gave him the 15 and then traded him to cincy for peanuts. He would have filled out there rotation and kept him from signing in the AL East
bot
Hey Krall, how bout address the issue of having THE worse manager in all of baseball running your dugout !? How does the weakest lineup in baseball get worse by adding castellanos and moose ?? Maybe bc you have a hot headed idiot running the show !?
bot
Reds have a chance to keep Bauer- he’ll sign a 1 year deal- just make him the highest paid player in baseball next season and he will likely sign. He’s earned it. He was the best player by a mile on a decent reds team
titanic struggle
Doubtful he would do that, he’ll parlay that Cy Young hardware into a multi-year deal. He’d be a fool if he didn’t…
Goetta
Bauer has actually said multiple times including last year that he will only play on 1 year deals once he hits FA. Granted winning the Cy Young could change that… but he’s also his own agent and dances to the beat of his own drum.
bigjonempire
He has backed off that idea as a necessity.