Cincinnati Reds: Free agent options to platoon with Joey Votto at first base

It’s time for Reds first baseman Joey Votto to find a running mate.

Most fans do not like the idea of platooning, but it’s time to face the reality that it’s part of the game of baseball. Furthermore, it’s time to face the reality that Joey Votto is not the same player he was back in 2017. The 2020 season marked a low point in Votto’s career when he was benched due to poor performance. Is there a free agent available who the Cincinnati Reds could pair with Votto?

To think of Joey Votto as an everyday player as we head into the 2021 season is a bit of a reach. At 37-years old, can the former MVP be counted on for 162 games? No, especially if you want him to be effective. Additionally, Votto’s defensive performance in 2020 was horrendous. Any metric you look at would show he was among the worst fielding first basemen in the league.

Votto’s five errors were tied with Pete Alonso for the most among first basemen in the National League. In 133 games last season, Votto was charged with just seven errors. According to FanGraphs, Votto’s -7 defensive runs saved was his worst performance since 2016 (12 DRS). Votto’s -7 DRS was the worst in the NL with Rhys Hoskins -5 ranking second-from-the-bottom.

Since there’s no one in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system fit to join Votto at first base, perhaps the front office would do better to sign a free agent. While there’s not a plethora of options currently available, that could change as the December 2nd non-tender deadline approaches. So, which free agent first basemen could Cincinnati pursue this winter?

Todd Frazier, New York Mets

Is it time to bring the Toddfather home? I’m sure a lot of fans throughout Reds Country would say, yes. While Todd Frazier hasn’t made it to the Midsummer Classic since his time with the Cincinnati Reds, Frazier’s bat still has some pop. In 2019, the two-time All-Star racked up 21 homers and a .443 slugging percentage in 133 games with the New York Mets.

Frazier was dealt to the Chicago White Sox almost five years ago. In return, the Reds received  Scott Schebler, José Peraza, and Brandon Dixon. It’s safe to say that the trade didn’t work out too well for either side. None of those players mentioned is still with the Reds franchise and Frazier’s batting average dropped to .226 over those five seasons.

So why would the Reds want to bring back a player who’s bounced between four teams over the past five years without much success? Remember, we’re talking about a player to platoon with Joey Votto. Unless the universal DH returns in 2021, Votto will be the team’s starting first baseman on Opening Day. The Reds just need to find a suitable replacement to give him some days off.

Last season, we saw Cincinnati turn to Mike Moustakas on occasion, but then that leaves a hole at second base. Sure, the Reds can fill that hole with Kyle Farmer, but he may have his hands full at shortstop this next season. Frazier could be an inexpensive right-handed power bat who has plenty of familiarity playing at Great American Ball Park.

Howie Kendrick, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals declined the exercise their team option on infielder Howie Kendrick, effectively making him a free agent. The hero for the Washington Nationals during the 2019 postseason, Kendrick would bring playoff experience and a consistent bat to the Cincinnati Reds; something this organization sorely needs.

The Reds addition of Mike Moustakas last winter showed a willingness to win. Moustakas had been part of several successful teams and was handsomely rewarded with a four-year/$64M contract. While Kendrick might not fit the mold of an multi-time All-Star, he was the NLCS MVP in 2019.

Injuries shelved Kendrick for all but 25 games this past season, but he still managed a .275 batting average and .320 on-base percentage. Like every other player on this list, he’s not a left-handed hitter, which would afford Cincinnati’s manager David Bell to play the percentages.

While Kendrick played second base throughout the majority of his big league career, he’s seen over 50 games at first base over the last two seasons. In fact, that was his exclusive position with the Nats last season, though he also saw time as the team’s designated hitter.

Kendrick was a much more sought-after commodity following his success in the postseason following the 2019 season. Coming off an injury-plagued 2020 campaign and entering what would be his age-37 season may affect his ability to land a considerable contract. The Reds should explore the idea of adding Kendrick to give Joey Votto a few days off per week.