The Cincinnati Reds are unlikely to be a popular landing destination for many top free agents this offseason. The team is in the midst of rebuilding and is more likely to allow some of the organization’s young talent to showcase themselves during what’s sure to be a trying season.
But, if the right opportunity arises, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Reds make a run at a handful of free agents who’d be willing to sign a one-year deal. We saw Cincinnati take that approach with Tommy Pham last spring after the front office traded away starting left fielder Jesse Winker and allowed Nick Castellanos to enter free agency.
While players like Trea Turner and Aaron Judge will be looking for mega-deals, some other free agents may be looking to re-establish their market value. Signing a one-year deal this offseason could afford some free agents the ability to bounce back in 2023 and be in line to sign a multi-year contract next winter.
Every year, our friends over at MLB Trade Rumors publish their Top 50 Free Agent Predictions for the offseason. This year, site founder Tim Dierkes and staff writers Steve Adams, Anthony Franco and Darragh McDonald made their predictions and the Cincinnati Reds actually made the list. Well, barely.
McDonald made the boldest of bold predictions that the Reds would actually make a run at Michael Conforto. The former New York Mets outfielder was a free agent last offseason, but after rejecting the Mets’ qualifying and entering the market, concerns emerged about Conforto’s health.
It was later revealed by his agent, Scot Boras, that Conforto suffered a shoulder injury and would miss the 2022 season. Although a few late-season offers were made, Conforto never appeared in a game last season.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Michael Conforto ranks as the 44th-best free agent available this offseason and could sign a one-year/$15M contract. With such a desperate need for help in the outfield, signing a player like Conforto to a one-year deal makes perfect sense for the Reds.
While the other MLB Trade Rumors writing staff picked the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers as likely destinations for Conforto, McDonald went out on a limb and chose the Cincinnati Reds. Let’s hope he’s right.
Next. 5 prospects who’ll be added to the Reds 40-man roster. dark