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Despite losing wages for much of the offseason, the Reds are known to be in the market for a shortstop, and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that they are among the clubs that have shown some interest in Andrelton Simmons.
It’s a natural connection to be made, of course, as Simmons is one of the top three free agent options in the post alongside Marcus Semien and Gregory learned. This trio of free agent shortstops represents a fairly general skill set from which interested parties can choose. Gregorius is the most consistent offensive performer in the group, but has the weakest defensive odds in the group. Simmons is a generational defenseman but, even at his best, only a slightly above average bat. Semien is the most complete of the three and offers the highest offensive cap (evidenced by his gigantic 2019 season), but his overall record on the plateau is more modest than that of Gregorius.
The Reds have plenty of options to follow if they intend to add a shortstop, as the trading market also presents a few options even after the Mets acquired Francisco Lindor. It remains to be seen how much owner Bob Castellini is willing to spend to meet the need.
The Reds were effectively dumped Raisel IglesiasAngels earned $ 9.125 million earlier this winter, and they didn’t bid Archie bradley despite a projected arbitration salary in the range of $ 5-6 million. Cincinnati also cut the backup receiver Curt Casali on the heels of a productive trio of seasons, and the Reds would have been open to trade Sonny gray as well as. (Luis CastilloThe latter’s name has also surfaced in rumors, although general manager Nick Krall has firmly denied his availability and made it clear that he expects the right-hander to be part of this year’s rotation.)
Cincinnati has also been linked with Gregorius and Semien at various times this winter, just as they have been speculated as a potential adjustment if the Rockies are ultimately looking to move. Trevor’s story. There is no indication that there is a preference for Simmons over this trio and other shortstop goals, but given he has just completed a pair of shortened seasons in terms of injuries, he might be the most affordable option.
Simmons, 31, got off to a good start in 2019 before a Grade 3 left ankle sprain ruled him out for more than a month. His offense crumbled when the injured list returned and he was placed back on the IL a few weeks later. His already modest power was nowhere to be found in 2020, and he missed time last season with his third left ankle injury in just over a calendar year. Beyond that, his generally brilliant defensive ratings declined as he went through those ankle issues.
A healthy Simmons is arguably the best defensive player in baseball – perhaps the best defensive player of the current generation – but he’s also now in his thirties and has notable question marks over his recent injuries. It’s not at all out of the question that he could bounce back with the glove and / or plate if the ankle is healed, but his free agent stock has clearly plummeted since his outstanding performance in 2017-18.
Semien, Gregorius and Simmons all have another wrinkle to consider in free agency this winter, as the possibility of making a one-year pact and returning to the market next winter isn’t as appealing as it is. ‘it could be in a normal winter. Next year’s free agent class will include not only the aforementioned history and Lindor, but also Corey seager, Javier Baez and Carlos Correa.
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