Cincinnati Reds should sign Didi Gregorius to a one-year deal

It is being reported by Jon Heyman, an insider at MLB Network, that Didi Gregorius may be seeking a one-year. If true, the Cincinnati Reds should pounce on the opportunity.

Jon Heyman, an insider at MLB Network, suggests that while Didi Gregorius likely has multi-year deals on the table, perhaps he’d consider signing a one-year deal this offseason with an eye towards free agency again next winter. If this is the case, the Cincinnati Reds should pounce on the opportunity to sign the shortstop to a short-term contract.

I know we’ve bounced back and forth regarding the status of Didi Gregorius, but he is the best shortstop option available on the free agent market. José Iglesias is the next best option, but the Reds lack of pursuit would indicate bringing him back is not in the cards for 2020.

Cincinnati does have Freddy Galvis under contract for next season, and while he displayed an increase in power last season, so did the majority of players across Major League Baseball. The fact is, while Galvis is not the worst option, and certainly a capable defender, the 30-year-old has an on-base percentage below .300, and a career-OPS of .675.

Didi Gregorius isn’t a high on-base percentage player either, but he does represent an upgrade over Galvis. Gregorius played in just 82 games last season following Tommy John surgery last offseason. Gregorius didn’t take the field until June 7th and put up the worst numbers of his five-year career in the Bronx.

A one-year deal might be the best option for both Gregorius and the Cincinnati Reds. Signing Sir Didi for just the 2020 season prevents the Reds from overpaying for a player who may never return to the player we saw in a Yankees uniform from 2015-2018 when he slashed .274/.319/.447 with 81 home runs and 299 RBIs.

However, if Gregorius returns to form, the Reds have a solid addition at shortstop with 20-plus home run power. Since the New York Yankees did not extend a qualifying offer to Gregorius following this past season, that option is still available should Gregorius out perform expectations. If he and the Reds were unable to extend a contract beyond 2020, the Reds may garner an additional draft pick.

Next year’s free agent class isn’t littered with talented shortstops either. In fact, Gregorius may be the best option next offseason as well. Jonathan Villar may be the next-best free agent shortstop available next winter, but following the 2021 season, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, and Carlos Correa will all be eligible for free agency.

Gregorius is gaining a following at the MLB Winter Meetings. The Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers are both said to be after the 29-year-old shortstop. A one-year deal may be appealing for the New York Yankees as well, but with Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office distracted by their pursuit of Gerrit Cole, now may be the time for Cincinnati to act.

A one-year deal for Gregorius makes sense. It also allows Cincinnati, should they receive any offers, to trade Freddy Galvis; perhaps for bullpen help. The pitching staff is set, Mike Moustakas adds veteran leadership and a needed bat to the lineup. Adding Gregorius would increase the team’s offensive profile and make them a legitimate threat in the National League.