Disco is not dead: The Reds should re-sign Anthony DeSclafani

Might the Reds turn to Anthony DeSclafani in their pursuit of another starter?

The offseason has not exactly started the way that Reds Country had hoped. While the Cincinnati Reds front office has mentioned Michael Lorenzen, José De León, and Tejay Antone as potential starters next season, perhaps Anthony DeSclafani could be worth a second look this winter.

DeSclafani was one of the many players hurt by the pandemic-shortened season. Coming off a solid 2019, DeSclafani was unable to get anything going in 2020. Disco’s 1-2 record and 7.22 ERA was worrisome, and David Bell eventually moved the right-hander to the bullpen.

So, why bring DeSclafani back after a poor 2020 season? Judging by the Reds offseason thus far, there is no telling what the plan is for the immediate future, except to save money. In DeSclafani’s case, he could be a cost-friendly option.

In 2019, Anthony DeSclafani was one of the bright spots on the team. After failing to play a full season for the past several years, DeSclafani started 31 games in 2019 for the first time since 2015. He went 9-9 with a 3.98 ERA and finished in the Top 20 of the NL in strikeouts (167).

Cincinnati’s current quartet of Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, Tyler Mahle, and Wade Miley is likely to joined by either Tejay Antone and Michael Lorenzen. DeSclafani could bring more stability to the Reds rotation and it would help keep Antone and Lorenzen in the bullpen.

If Disco was re-signed and things didn’t work out, he could always be dealt at the deadline. Mike Minor was 0-5 in 2020 and the Rangers were able to trade him to Oakland for two prospects.

The likelihood of the Reds bringing back Trevor Bauer is becoming slimmer each day. The front office needs to spend what money they do have on a starting shortstop and adding some more arms to the bullpen.

The NL Central is wide open next season unless somebody makes a big move. Rather than handing the ball every fifth day to a player who’s unproven as a starter, why not sign Anthony DeSclafani to an incentive-laden one-year deal? MLB Trade Rumors estimates Disco will sign a one-year/$4M contract this winter, but we’re heard no rumblings as of yet.