Reds rumors: Didi Gregorius’ asking price is worth the risk

According to the latest Reds rumors, Didi Gregorius is looking for a two-year deal. Cincinnati has a gaping hole at shortstop, and Gregorius is worth the risk. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Gregorius is looking for a two-year/$30M contract. The Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds are thought to be the top two suitors for the shortstop.

If Cincinnati’s front office fails to secure Gregorius’ services heading into the 2021 season, the most likely Opening Day starter at shortstop is Kyle Farmer. The team could hand the reins to last year’s rookie and top shortstop prospect José García, but the young infielder appeared overmatched against big league pitching and could use more seasoning in the minor leagues.

The latest Reds rumors suggest Didi Gregorius is looking for a multiyear deal.

The difference between the two teams vying for Gregorius might be their longterm outlook. Cincinnati appears more likely to sign a shortstop to a multiyear contract, as García may be two to three years away from making a consistent impact at the major league level. The 22-year-old’s glove is fantastic, but his bat is lagging behind.

The Phillies, on the other hand, were originally looking to sign Andrelton Simmons to a one-year pact. However, the stalwart defensive shortstop agreed to a one-year/$10.5M contract with the Minnesota Twins last night.

Philadelphia must now pivot and decide if they want to commit to Didi Gregorius for another two seasons, or roll with Jean Segura this year with a crop of tremendously talented shortstops set to hit the market next winter.

Didi Gregorius’ contract demands are not exorbitant.

While some fans’ jaws might drop at the contract Didi Gregorius is seeking, the number itself is not exceedingly high. Gregorius has long been seen as the top offensive free agent shortstop, while Simmons is the top defensive talent at the position. Marcus Semien, who signed a one-year/$18M deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

If the Cincinnati Reds are set on upgrading the shortstop position via free agency, Gregorius is their only option. Furthermore, Gregorius holds all the cards in the upcoming negotiations. If Cincinnati wants to play ball with Gregorius, it appears the former Reds farmhand is looking for a multiyear contract with an average annual value of $15M per season.

Didi Gregorius’ career numbers are in line with Mike Moustakas.

Didi Gregorius’ career numbers are nothing to sneeze at, but they’re nothing spectacular either. Over his nine-year career, Gregorius has slashed .265/.315/.433 with 120 home runs, 457 RBIs and career-OPS+ of 100.

Comparatively, last year’s free agent signing Mike Moustakas has a career slash line of .251/.310/.442 with 190 home runs, 588 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 101. Moustakas signed a four-year/$64M contract last offseason with an AAV of $16M.

If the latest Reds rumors surrounding Didi Gregorius’ contract demands are true, they’re right in line with what the 30-year-old should expect. Gregorius would offer the Reds a left-handed bat with some pop, a veteran presence in the clubhouse, and fill the void at shortstop until José García is able to become the team’s everyday shortstop.