Cincinnati Reds Rumors – team should sign RP David Hernandez

Cincinnati Reds value veterans

The Cincinnati Reds are a team in a rebuild. But, they are almost at the end of the tunnel. The club has young talent in the majors and a lot simmering in the minors. So, all the team needs to do now is experiment with players. Figure out what works and what doesn’t. For example, is deciding which young arms are ready for the starting rotation.

The Reds have added several veteran arms to help lessen the load on the youth. Cincinnati is making small moves that could play a big part in the future development. The young guys in the starting five can learn from the veteran pitchers that are on the roster. With the team in the midst of a youth movement, it is good to see them bolstering their depth with journeyman players.

Here is a bit from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"“After the Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent right-hander Jared Hughes to bolster their bullpen three weeks ago, general manager Dick Williams said the team was still open to adding further to the bullpen. Indeed, according to multiple baseball sources, the Reds are still involved with other relievers on the open market, and would consider multi-year deals depending on the price point.”"

Furthermore, the club was one of the worst teams on the mound in 2017. This team ranked 29th in the MLB in that department. If they want to catch up soon with the big dogs in the National League Central, reliable pitching will be needed. So, the Reds are reportedly looking into other relievers on the free agent market. That’s a good sign.

Cincinnati Reds are pursuing RP

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With the free agent market still laden with talent, the Reds have plenty of options. One that they are eyeing is right-handed pitcher David Hernandez. In 2017, the right tossed a 3.11 ERA in 55.0 innings of work. He has been a reliable hurler in his 8 years in the MLB. The 32-year-old is just the guy the Reds need.

He is a veteran pitcher that is reliable and won’t come at a high price tag. The Reds will most likely sign him to a one year deal for less than $5 million. Also, the team could flip him for prospects at the Non-Waiver Trade Deadline in 2018 if he is on.

His over the top slider is one that produces swings and misses and is an out pitch for him.

The Cincinnati Reds don’t need to back up the truck to add a veteran presence on the team. Hernandez would become one of the best relievers on the team and can be versatile. This team would love to bring him in as a mop-up role, or as a closer, letting Raisel Iglesias rest.

Overall

The Cincinnati Reds would be right in pulling off this move. They would add reliability as well as versatility. Also, the club would lessen the need for their younger arms. That will go a long way in benefitting them with experience and health for the future. If the signing doesn’t end well, it’s no big deal considering the team isn’t a contender yet.

Next: The Reds are good at letting high priced players walk

The team is buying low and possibly getting a high value in return. A short-term commitment will not dampen the sights in the long term. The Reds should go ahead with this move.