These questions face Reds in the new year
This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat publication. To learn the complete publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it commonly in your inbox.
CINCINNATI — I hope all people has been having fun with the vacations and getting high quality time with household and pals.
To say this has been a quiet offseason for the Reds could be one giant understatement as we conclude 2022 and head into ‘23. Some of the questions that existed in October are nonetheless unanswered heading into January.
There haven’t been many additions. The two most distinguished concerned including veteran infielder Kevin Newman in a commerce with the Pirates (on the identical evening shortstop Kyle Farmer was dealt to the Twins) and signing free agent backup catcher Luke Maile.
Let’s check out a number of the larger questions dealing with the Reds forward of Spring Training.
On Dec. 15, my MLB.com colleague Jon Morosi tweeted that the Reds and former ace Johnny Cueto had been involved a couple of reunion. Any veteran that joins the membership would should be an innings eater and supply a optimistic presence to assist the youthful pitchers.
There in all probability received’t be room within the finances. General supervisor Nick Krall implied as a lot when speaking after the Wil Myers and Curt Casali signings.
“I think we’ve got to be creative moving forward,” Krall mentioned. “I think we’ll figure out what the rest of the offseason brings, and if there’s something we can maneuver through this offseason, I think we’re going to just have to figure out how to take advantage of that and be creative.”
Reading between the strains, which means wage must be subtracted to make room for an additional signing. The solely massive contract left on the roster belongs to Joey Votto as he heads into the ultimate 12 months of his deal. And Votto isn’t going anyplace.
It appears just like the Reds’ payroll might be within the neighborhood of $80 million for 2023.
2. What is going on within the outfield?
Myers will slot into proper discipline and might transfer to first base on days Votto doesn’t play. But the opposite two outfield spots are considerably in flux.
Center fielder Nick Senzel was nonetheless utilizing a scooter to get round at Redsfest. His foot remained in a boot due to problems from a damaged left massive toe, and he hadn’t walked in months. Among Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild and Michael Siani, none are firmly established within the Major Leagues. Nick Solak and Matt Reynolds are infielders who can play within the outfield. There are not any prime outfield prospects who might be able to debut in 2023.
Fraley would seem like a very good wager for left discipline whereas Senzel and Friedl might share heart discipline.
3. What’s the shortstop state of affairs?
Jose Barrero and commerce acquisition Kevin Newman are the main candidates for the shortstop job. Barrero, as soon as a prized prospect, has struggled mightily to hit within the massive leagues and is enjoying winter ball in Puerto Rico in an effort to enhance.
The Reds have poured water on the concept No. 1 prospect Elly De La Cruz might win the job as a result of he has performed in fewer than 50 video games on the Double-A degree. But what if De La Cruz — who has impressed at each degree up to now — has a monster camp at his first massive league Spring Training? Would the Reds take a shot and put him on the Opening Day roster? Before replying, “No,” keep in mind that they haven’t been afraid to push prospects in recent times, particularly Jonathan India in 2021 and Greene final 12 months.
