Cincinnati Reds: Is Nathan Eovaldi’s price too high?

The latest rumors have Nathan Eovaldi’s price tag getting higher and higher. Is he now out of the Cincinnati Reds’ price range?

The Cincinnati Reds have promised to “get the pitching” this offseason. Nathan Eovaldi certainly qualifies as the type of pitcher that would improve the starting rotation for the Reds, but his price tag now too high?

Nathan Eovaldi showed heart, determination, and resolve during the Red Sox playoff run this last season. He was, no doubt, one of the big reasons that Boston took home a championship last October. In doing so, Eovaldi has made himself a hot commodity this offseason.

The list seems to continue to grow every day. The Reds were thought to be in the mix, but lately it seems that the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have zeroed in on Eovaldi. Recent reports have Eovaldi’s number as high as $17 million per year for 4 years.

I don’t know about you, but a $70-plus million contract for a pitcher coming off two Tommy John surgeries seems a bit steep to me. If I’m the Reds I’m not going anymore than three years at maybe $14 million per season. So, a 3 year/ $42-million deal seems more plausible to me than what Eovaldi is rumored to be getting.

Eovaldi has only eclipsed 170 innings once in his career and that was four years ago. Yes, Eovaldi is talented and the type of pitcher the Cincinnati Reds need, but not at the salary that he’s likely to make.

Cincinnati also needs to avoid a bidding war with teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox. They’ll never win. Also, if the Red Sox do re-sign Eolvadi, like all signs are pointing to, the Reds are also likely to be out on J.A. Happ. Why? Because if the Yankees miss out on Eovaldi, after already losing Patrick Corbin to the Nationals, Happ isn’t leaving the Bronx.

If the Cincinnati Reds are serious about a big-time addition to their starting rotation, they should look at Dallas Keuchel or a trade partner. Pitchers like Trevor Bauer, Noah Syndergaard, and Corey Kluber are said to be available. While the price for those players may be high, that appears to be Cincinnati’s best shot to acquire an ace this offseason.

We’ll see if the Cincinnati Reds delve into free agency for mid-level starters like Wade Miley and Gio Gonzalez, as it looks like the thought of bringing Eovaldi to the Queen City is no longer a possibility.