Cincinnati Reds Rumors: Re-signing Drew Storen should be key

The Cincinnati Reds’ pitching problem

The Cincinnati Reds were not well on the mound this season. Furthermore, with the abundance of youth comes trial and error. In 2017, they did just that. But, as the team develops over time, the pitching side of things should come around. Keeping tunnel vision towards next year and beyond, the Reds need better hurlers.

The 2017 season was a trying one for the guys on the mound. Also, they ranked 29th in the MLB with a 5.17 ERA. That will not help this team get back to the playoffs. The most reliable bullpen arm was Raisel Iglesias, who had a 2.49 ERA and 28 saves. Other than him, everyone else had a sub-6 ERA. Albeit that, they have dealt with numerous injuries.

In the offseason, the Reds should buy low and sell high. They need to sign inning eaters with upside if they can, while also acquiring reliable relievers. The offense has been a nice surprise. Now, the team must work on patching up the pitching no matter what the cost.

Want your voice heard? Join the Blog Red Machine team!

Write for us!

The Cincinnati Reds’ so-so reliever

Drew Storen has shown that he can be a dominant reliever at times. This season, not so much. In 54.1 innings pitched, the right hander tossed a 4.45 ERA with 48 strikeouts, and accumulated a -0.2 WAR. He went into surgery in 9/27 for Tommy John. Obviously, he will miss most if not all of 2018. But, there is no reason why the Reds don’t sign him on a 2-year deal. The Rays did a similar signing with starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi when he had Tommy John.

More from Reds Rumors

• Reds rumors: Nick Castellanos to return this weekend vs Pirates
• Reds trade rumors: Cincinnati finalizing deal for Rockies’ Mychal Givens
• Reds trade rumors: Attempt to acquire shortstop rebuffed
• Reds rumors: Luis Castillo trade speculation is much ado about nothing
• Reds: Ranking the Top 5 best trade deadline targets

Cincinnati will not be chasing a pennant in the next few years, that is why they should make these shrewd investments towards a better future.  With the value of bullpen dominance becoming more valued, the Reds should be quick to lock Storen up. The right hander has a career 5.3 WAR, and adds another veteran presence for the younger pitchers.

Yes, he is most likely out for 2018. But, a low-risk signing won’t hurt as there won’t be many suitors for him anyway. He will have to take a pillow contract and prove his value in 2019. The Reds could use all the help they can get. Next year will be a time for auditions anyway, as there are many young players knocking on the door. Why not?

Overall outlook

The Reds won’t be competitive for a little bit. So why not try take a flier on somebody? They don’t really have anything to lose, as the team can only go up from here. Because if he is better than he was before, the Cincinnati can utilize him as a trade chip. The further development of their players is the main goal, so see this reliever through.

Next: MIchaels and Morgan go on Hall of Fame ballot