Cincinnati Reds: Scooter Gennett and others projected for big pay day

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett and several of his arbitration-eligible teammates are projected for a nice pay increase in 2019.

The Cincinnati Reds have pledged to increase their payroll in 2019. Well, according to MLBTradeRumors.com, a good amount of that increased payroll could go to some of their own players. Scooter Gennett headlines a group of seven Reds players who’ll likely see an increase in their salary headed into next season.

Major League Baseball’s arbitration process is usually tough but fair, and this offseason for the Reds looks to be no exception. While the Reds have only one free agent, Matt Harvey, seven of their current players are arbitration eligible. Let’s take a look at what MLBTradeRumors.com next year’s salaries to be for several members of the Cincinnati Reds.

Scooter Gennett and Billy Hamilton are in their final year of arbitration eligibility, and both will likely be looking for contract extensions this offseason. At this time, Gennett appears far more likely to see that happen than Hamilton.

More from Blog Red Machine

• Reds vs. White Sox: Pitching preview, prediction, and more
• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin adds another twist to offseason roster construction
• Reds: Signing Tyler Mahle to a contract extension should be a top priority
• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin should get first major league start vs Pirates
• Reds should unquestionably bring Wade Miley back in 2022

Gennett, who made $5.7 million this season, is projected to nearly double his salary next season to the tune of $10.7 million. The Reds and Gennett appear to have a mutual interest in a contract extension, but the anticipation of Nick Senzel’s arrival in the Queen City has some fans nervous about the team committing to Scooter long-term.

Speaking of making fans nervous, Billy Hamilton is in line for a raise as well. Hamilton could see his salary jump from $4.6 million to $5.9 million. The Reds will have a big decision to make regarding Hamilton’s future this offseason. He is unquestionably one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, but he’s also unquestionably below-average at the plate.

Some of the other players eligible for arbitration this year are Michael Lorenzen and Anthony DeSclafani. This pair of pitchers is entering their second year of arbitration eligibility. DeSclafani, who didn’t start a Major League game during the 2017 season, signed for an underwhelming $860,000 last offseason.

Disco is projected to see his salary rise to $2.1 million. Lorenzen, the starter turned reliever and maybe back to starter will see a slight bump in pay as well. The Zen Master is projected to go from $1.31 million to $1.9 million in 2019.

Finally, a trio of position players will possibly be going through the arbitration process for the very first time. Catcher Curt Casali, outfielder Scott Schebler, and shortstop Jose Peraza are all likely to see an increase in their 2019 salary.

Peraza is likely to see the biggest bump in pay. Peraza may see his salary increase as much as $3.1 million this offseason. In 2018, Peraza made $570,000 but is projected to make $3.6 million in 2019. Schebler could see an increase of up to $2.1 million and Casali could see his salary rise to $1.3 million next season.

These, of course, are all projections and there’s no guarantee that all of the above-mentioned players will return to the Reds next season. However, if all the increased salaries are combined, the Cincinnati Reds are likely to dole out an additional $15 million or so to these seven players.

The biggest questions surrounding the arbitration process will likely focus on Gennett and Hamilton. Will Scooter get a long-term extension and will Billy be part of the Reds in 2019? These questions will definitely be answered before Opening Day next year.