Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds interested in utilityman Brock Holt

The latest Reds rumors have the Cincinnati Reds chasing Brock Holt. The utility infielder played for the Boston Red Sox last season.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, a source told the newspaper that Brock Holt has drawn the interest of the Cincinnati Reds. Holt, like a lot of players currently offers a lot of versatility, something that David Bell really seems to value. If the latest Reds rumors are true, Dick Williams and Nick Krall are obviously not done adding to the roster.

The Cincinnati Reds have added to their roster this offseason, but it sounds as though the front office still has their sights set on adding more hitting. Holt, an eight-year veteran, has played all over the diamond defensively and had a career-year at the dish last season. Holt slashed .297/.369/.402 with 3 home runs and 31 RBIs.

Holt would not be counted on as an everyday player, but would be a nice compliment as a left-handed bat off the bench. The 31-year-old has plenty of experience playing second and third base, as well as the outfield. Holt is an average, to above-average defender, especially in the outfield. According to FanGraphs, Holt has 17 defensive runs saved while playing on the outfield grass.

Brock Holt has some experience playing shortstop as well. During his time in Boston, Holt played 59 games at short including 44 starts. Holt started three games at shortstop just last season. By adding Mike Moustakas earlier this winter, the Reds have already proven that some defensive deficiencies are worth the offensive upgrades.

Nightengale mentions that the Reds one of the teams interested in Holt’s services, meaning more teams than just Cincinnati are interested. There’s still a possibility that Holt returns to Boston. Last year, Holt took home $3.575M according to Spotrac. MLB Trade Rumors ranked Holt among their Top 50 free agents, predicting he could take home a two-year/$8M contract.

The latest Reds rumors send a clear message that Cincinnati is not satisfied with their current roster. As currently constructed, Alex Blandino and Kyle Farmer may be the Reds best utility players. Josh VanMeter also fills that role. We’ll see if the front office make a few more moves before spring training begins in a few weeks.