Reds news: Kyle Farmer and Archie Bradley shockingly non-tendered

The Reds decided to non-tender Kyle Farmer and Archie Bradley.

The Cincinnati Reds made several transactions at the non-tender deadline on Wednesday, but the most shocking of all was declining to tender a contract to infielder Kyle Farmer (who was later re-signed). Farmer, who was part of the Reds trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2019 season, filled in admirably across the infield over the past two seasons.

The Reds also declined to tender deals to catcher Curt Casali, pitchers Archie Bradley and R.J. Alaniz, and outfielder Brian Goodwin. Bradley and Goodwin were both acquired by the Reds at last year’s trade deadline.

Bradley was thought to be a key acquisition last summer and possibly compete with Raisel Iglesias for the role of closer in 2021. Bradley, who was limited due to injury, played just six games for Cincinnati last season.

Most fans will not be surprised by the losses of Alaniz and Goodwin. Alaniz was a replaceable bullpen arm and Goodwin, while talented, would’ve been buried on the Cincinnati bench heading into next season. Nick Castellanos, Nick Senzel, Shogo Akiyama, Jesse Winker, and Aristides Aquino would have all received reps ahead of him.

The loss of Casali will sting, and with an estimated savings of just $1.8M according to MLB Trade Rumors, it makes you wonder how tight the team’s budget will be this coming season. That said, Casali’s dismissal also paves the way for young catcher Tyler Stephenson to become a fixture in the Cincinnati lineup.

In all, the Cincinnati Reds can expect to save between $9.5M-$12.5M according to MLB Trade Rumors. That savings could go towards a starting shortstop, as Cincinnati is rumored to be interested in signing Didi Gregorius or another top free agent.

Next year’s Reds team will certainly look different. Trevor Bauer, Anthony DeSclafani, Freddy Galvis, Curt Casali, Archie Bradley, Kyle Farmer, and Brian Goodwin will all be playing elsewhere next season. This will certainly open the door for younger players like Tyler Stephenson, Alex Blandino, and Jonathan India to prove that they’re major league-ready.