Despite the fact that the salary is being wasted for much of the off-season, it is known that the Reds are a short-lived market, and Jon Heyman of MLB Network. tweets that they are one of the clubs that has shown some interest Andrelton Simmons.
This is, of course, a bond to be drawn, as Simmons is one of the top three free agent options on the position next door. Marcus Semien and Didi Gregorius. That trio shortstop of free agent is a fairly common skill from which interested parties can choose. Gregorius is the most consistent attacking player in the group, but has the weakest defensive rating of the group. Simmons is a generation defender, but even at best just a slightly above average bat. Semien is the most rounded of the three and offers the highest offensive ceiling (evident from his giant 2019 season), but his overall record on the plate is modest compared to that of Gregorius.
The Reds have plenty of options to pursue if they plan to add a short stop, as the trading market also offers some options, even after the Mets Francisco Lindor. However, the extent to which owner Bob Castellini is willing to spend to meet the need remains to be seen.
The Reds showered effectively Raisel Iglesias‘The Angels’ salary earlier this winter was $ 9,255 million and they were not offered Archie Bradley despite a projected arbitration salary in the $ 5-6MM range. Cincinnati also cut the backup catcher Curt Casali on the heels of a productive trio of seasons, and the Reds were apparently open to trade Sonny Gray also. (Luis CastilloThe name has also surfaced in rumors, though GM Nick Krall vehemently denies his availability and clearly said he would expect the right-hander to turn around this year.)
Cincinnati has also been linked at various points this winter with both Gregorius and Semien, just as they are speculated to be a possible pass if the Rockies finally want to move. Trevor story. There’s no indication that Simmons has a preference over the trio and other shortstop targets, but since he’s shortening a few seasons with injuries, he could be the cheapest option.
Simmons, 31, started strong in 2019 before a grade 3 singles strain sidelined him for more than a month. His offense is crater when he returned from the list of injured, and he was placed back in the IL a few weeks later. His already modest strength was nowhere to be seen in 2020, and he missed time last season with his third left ankle injury in just over one calendar year. In addition, his typically brilliant defensive ratings took a move as he moved through the ankle arms.
A healthy Simmons is probably the best defensive player in baseball – perhaps the best defensive player of the current generation – but he is also now in his thirties and has some notable question marks in his recent record. It’s not at all out of the question that he can bounce back with the glove and / or to the board if the ankle heals, but his free agents have clearly tumbled since his excellent performance in the 2017-18.
All three Semien, Gregorius and Simmons have another wrinkle to consider at free agency this winter, as the possibility of concluding an annual contract and returning next winter is not as attractive as in a normal winter. Next year’s free agent class will include not only the above Story and Lindor, but also Corey Seager, Javier Baez and Carlos Correa.