Cincinnati Reds: 3 free agents to avoid this offseason

Jurickson Profar #10 of the San Diego Padres looks on before the game. The Reds need not sign the former No.1 prospect. — SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Jurickson Profar #10 of the San Diego Padres looks on before the game. The Reds should avoid signing Profar this offseason. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

These three free agents should not get a call from the Reds front office.

The Cincinnati Reds spent big last offseason and didn’t get much from their most expensive free agent class in franchise history. The Reds spent over $125M to bring in Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama, Pedro Strop, and Wade Miley. This offseason looks to be bit leaner in terms in spending, but Cincinnati mush avoid signing these three players.

Trevor Bauer is sure to be the Cincinnati Reds No. 1 target this offseason. Likely to receive the Cy Young Award this evening, Bauer may be the most sought-after free agent starter on the market. The Reds are in good position to re-sign Bauer, as the 29-year-old enjoys his teammates and likes playing for pitching coach Derek Johnson.

However, the price tag for Trevor Bauer might be too rich for Cincinnati’s blood. If that’s the case, the team has some internal options (Tejay Antone and Michael Lorenzen) that can help fill the void. That said, Cincinnati has more holes if the the hope to compete for a spot in the postseason next year. Adding a few bats this winter may not be out of the realm of possibilities.

While names like DJ LeMahieu and J.T. Realmuto are tantalizing, the only way I see the Reds spending big this offseason is if they re-sign Bauer. However, some free agents who may seem like a bargain could wind up being a nightmare. The Cincinnati Reds should avoid signing these three free agents at all costs.

These three free agents should not get a call from the Reds front office.

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