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Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds interested in outfielder Kole Calhoun

ByDrew Koch|
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim runs to first base during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim runs to first base during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Kole Calhoun has found his way onto the Cincinnati Reds radar. The latest Reds rumors claim that Calhoun is drawing Cincinnati’s interest.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that interest in Kole Calhoun is beginning to solidify. The Cincinnati Reds are among a handful of teams that Morosi mentions as having interest in the former Los Angeles Angels outfielder. If the latest Reds rumors are true, perhaps Cincinnati is expanding their desire beyond just Marcell Ozuna as an upgrade in the outfield.

Previous Reds rumors had Cincinnati keyed in on outfielder Marcell Ozuna, but recent reports suggest he may wait until after Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson sign, as then he’d be the most sought-after free agent bat available. That may hurt his chances with the Reds, who are looking to come away from the Winter Meetings with another offensive upgrade.

Calhoun would definitely offer that, as he hit a career-high 33 home runs in Los Angeles last season. Calhoun slashed .232/.325/.467 with 29 doubles and 74 RBIs to go along with a 108 OPS+ and 2.3 WAR. Calhoun is an above-average hitter with power who can also play above-average defense.

Calhoun took home a Gold Glove in 2015 and has career fielding percentage of .985 and 12 defensive runs saved for his career while playing right field. Calhoun is a free agent following the Angels decision not to pick up his $14M option. He received a $1M buyout as part of his previous three-year/$26M contract with Los Angeles.

Morosi is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, and Milwaukee Brewers are also interested in Calhoun. With Cincinnati looking to add a corner outfielder, Calhoun may represent the perfect stopgap option that would allow Aristides Aquino and Jesse Winker to continue to develop. I can’t imagine Calhoun getting more than a one-year deal with a team option for a second.

We’ll keep tabs on this latest Reds rumor as the Winter Meetings continue to unfold. Kole Calhoun would be another boost to the Cincinnati offense. The Reds signed Mike Moustakas just last week, but Dick Williams and Nick Krall have repeatedly said that they’re not done adding pieces for a run at the division crown in 2020.

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