Cincinnati Reds: 3 things Nick Krall must do first in his new role

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 22: General manager Nick Krall speaks after David Bell was introduced as the new manager for the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 22: General manager Nick Krall speaks after David Bell was introduced as the new manager for the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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Jose Garcia #38 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game one of a doubleheader.
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 04: Jose Garcia #38 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game one of a doubleheader. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

1. Decide on a starting shortstop for the Reds heading into 2021.

While most fans would disagree and claim that signing Trevor Bauer should be the team’s No. 1 priority this offseason, I tend to disagree. Bauer was phenomenal this past season and should win the NL Cy Young Award. However, that type of performance, while impressive, should not force the Reds into a corner and, in turn, a bidding war for Bauer’s services in 2021. More on that later.

If there was one position that looks like a giant blackhole heading into next season, it’s not the starting pitching, it’s shortstop. The Cincinnati Reds tried many different players at the position in 2020, even José García, who proved that he needs more seasoning at the minor-league level in order to be a threat versus major league pitching.

Looking at the free agent market, there’s a few options. Didi Gregorius probably tops the list and there’s a chance that José Iglesias could be available if his team option is not picked up. There are two trade options as well. With Francisco Lindor and Trevor Story entering the final year of their contracts, both could be on the move this winter.

As far as in-house candidates are concerned, you’d have to look at Kyle Farmer. The former Georgia Bulldog could be a nice stopgap at the position until García is ready for the big stage, but the versatile infielder provides little in terms of offense.

Figuring out who will man the shortstop position heading into next season should be atop Nick Krall’s list. There are many options available, however, it’s unclear which route the Reds will choose to take.

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