Cincinnati Reds: Three free agent relievers the team should pursue

Kelvin Herrera, RHP

Sometimes a change of scenery can be a good thing. Unfortunately, for Kelvin Herrera, last year’s trade to the Washington Nationals didn’t give the right-hander a boost. Maybe a change to Cincinnati would do the former World Champion well.

Herrera, up until last season, had spent his entire career with the Kansas City Royals. He was traded to the Washington Nationals during the middle of 2018 and that didn’t go too well. Herrera had a 1.05 ERA during his 27 games with KC, but couldn’t keep it below 4.00 during his time with the Nats.

Herrera went down in August with an injury to the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot. The injury required surgery and a timetable for Herrera’s return is unknown. To be honest though, if it weren’t for the injury, Herrera would’ve been able to command a HUGE contract and been out of the Cincinnati Reds price range.

As it is, Herrera may still yet be out of the Reds price range, as MLB Trade Rumors predicts him to get a one-year $8 MM contract. Would the Reds spend that kind of money on a reliever? Maybe, especially considering it’s just a one year investment.

Herrera feels like a long shot, but perhaps one Cincinnati should inquire about if the price is right. The back end of the bullpen with the likes of Raisel Iglesias, Jared Hughes, and Herrera could be terrifying for opposing teams.

Anything the Reds can do to shorten the game for their starters would be a bonus. Unless Cincinnati severely updates their starting rotation, the bullpen will likely be heavily relied upon again this season. Having a weapon like Herrera, even for one year, could give the Reds a handful of wins they might otherwise not have.