Cincinnati Reds: 3 free agent reunions we’d like to see

1. Didi Gregorius, Shortstop

Did we mention that the Cincinnati Reds had a gaping hole at shortstop heading into the 2021 season? The best shortstop available on the free agent market is former Cincinnati farmhand Didi Gregorius. Gregorius was part of the Cincinnati organization from 2008 until his trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks after the 2012 season.

With Zack Cozart firmly entrenched as the Reds shortstop, Gregorius was blocked at the big league level, so Cincinnati decided to move on and traded Gregorius to the D-Backs. While he’s yet to receive an All-Star selection, Gregorius has had plenty of above-average seasons in the big leagues.

In three of the past four seasons, Didi Gregorius has finished with an OPS+ above 100. After struggling in 2019 following Tommy John surgery that limited him to just 81 games, Gregorius signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Philadelphia Phillies last offseason. Gregorius proved that he could still be one of the best at his position, slashing .284/.339/.488 with 10 homers.

If Gregorius were willing to take a two-year deal, that would fit nicely into the Reds plans, as the front office has spoken glowingly of top shortstop prospect José García. However, due the absence of minor league baseball last season, García was rushed to the majors and showed that he’ll need more seasoning at the dish. Bringing in Gregorius would be a nice stopgap.