Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the value of contracts signed to avoid arbitration

1. Michael Lorenzen, Relief pitcher/ utility outfielder

2020 salary: $3.73M

What will Michael Lorenzen‘s role be in 2020? Only David Bell knows the answer to that, and to be honest, I’m not even sure he knows how he’ll use Lorenzen next season. Mikey Biceps saw time on the mound, in the outfield, and on the base paths. Like it or not, he’s going to be all over the field again next season, and likely in an even bigger role.

Lorenzen first began to shine in the bullpen. After finding that a place in the starting rotation was not for him, Lorenzen became a permanent reliever last season. Lorenzen went 1-4 with a 2.92 ERA and seven saves. Lorenzen pitched 83.1 innings out of the pen, but that wasn’t the only time we saw Mikey Biceps take the field in 2019.

Lorenzen played in a total of 100 games last season and had 53 plate appearances with six starts in the Reds outfield. Lorenzen played all three outfield spots, finding 76 innings of work in center and putting up a perfect fielding percentage. Lorenzen slashed .208/.283/.313 with one home runs and six RBIs to go along with five stolen bases.

Given the versatility of Michael Lorenzen, he’s no doubt the most valuable player Cincinnati came to terms with before yesterday’s deadline. Lorenzen relishes the opportunity to go out to the mound, pitch a scoreless inning, only to grab a bat and get on base in the following half inning. Look for Lorenzen’s role to expand in 2020, further adding to his value as a reliever and utility outfielder.