Reds rumors: Cincinnati has reached out Didi Gregorius’ agent

Didi Gregorius could fill the vacancy at shortstop if the latest Reds rumors are true.

Our friend Lance McAllister at 700 WLW, via iHeart Radio, recently interviewed free agent shortstop Didi Gregorius. McAllister asked Gregorius about a possible reunion with the Cincinnati Reds, and the former farmhand confirmed that the front office and his agent have had contact. These Reds rumors should bring some relief to the Cincinnati fanbase.

During McAllister’s interview with Gregorius, the former Yankees star stated that he’s “open to listen to anything” and when asked about whether or not the Reds had shown any interest, Gregorius said, “I think they’ve talked a little bit.”

Any news on the free agent front, especially in regards to the shortstop position is good news. Cincinnati is in a bind when it comes to fielding a solid team next season if they’re unable to acquire a starting shortstop this offseason. With the departure of Freddy Galvis and relative inexperience of José García, the Reds best in-house option at shortstop is Kyle Farmer.

I’m a huge fan of Farmer, but last season was the first time the 30-year-old has seen any real time playing shortstop at the major league level. Prior to 2020, Farmer was seen as quality backup, who could also don the tools of ignorance and suit up behind the plate. A career utility player is not the guy you want taking the majority of reps at shortstop if the Reds are hoping to contend in 2021.

Didi Gregorius, on the other hand, brings a solid left-handed bat and adequate fielding skills to the table. Gregorius was once part of the Reds organization, but being blocked at the big leagues by Zack Cozart, Cincinnati dealt the up-and-coming shortstop to the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the 2013 season.

Gregorius has since played for the D-Backs, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies. Last season, playing on a one-year contract, the left-handed hitting Gregorius hit .284/.339/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs while posting 1.2 WAR.

Most of the Reds rumors this offseason have centered around Didi Gregorius and Cincinnati’s pursuit of a shortstop. Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons are also possibilities, but we’ve heard little about those two players thus far this winter. Gregorius may be high on Nick Krall’s Christmas list as the holiday approaches.