Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the free agent signings this offseason

1. Mike Moustakas, Second baseman

Four-year/$64M deal

This is the biggest free agent signing in the history of the Cincinnati Reds. Now, that’s a pretty bold statement, but it’s not like the Reds have ever been this active in free agency. Before signing Moustakas, perhaps adding Francisco Cordero or an aging Dave Parker were the best additions via free agency.

Moose signed the largest free agent contract in Reds history earlier this offseason. Cincinnati turned heads throughout Major League Baseball following the announcement of a four-year/$64M agreement with Moustakas. Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of this move is the intention of playing Moustakas at second base rather than third.

Well, there was no way Moose was going to displace Eugenio Suárez, who came in second behind Pete Alonso for the major league lead in homers last season. But, after showing he’s a capable defender at second base during his first full season in Milwaukee, the Reds felt comfortable enough to sign the 31-year-old to a lucrative contract.

With the infield shift now commonplace throughout the league, having a defender with great range is not as necessary as it was 15-plus years ago. Moustakas may never be an elite defender, but the thought is that he can hold his own while manning second base. However, just like Nick Castellanos, the Reds did not sign Moose for his defense.

Mike Moustakas was signed to score runs. Last season, Moose slashed .254/.329/.516 with 35 home runs and 86 RBIs. Once Suárez is healthy, look for Moustakas to be slotted right behind Geno as the No. 4 hitter in the Reds batting order. Moustakas may have the opportunity to set a new career-high in RBIs next season.