Reds rumors: Jonathan Villar likely to fill the void at shortstop

The latest Reds rumors indicate that Cincinnati may have found their starting shortstop. The Cincinnati Reds and Jonathan Villar appear to be in negotiations. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Villar and the Redlegs are in contract discussions. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bobby Nightengale, the two sides may be discussing a minor-league deal.

It’s not Didi Gregorius, and it’s not Andrelton Simmons, however, the potential addition of Villar may be a better than re-signing Freddy Galvis. Last season, Villar spilt time between the Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays.

These Reds rumors would solve the Reds problem at the shortstop position.

All offseason, we’ve heard the Cincinnati Reds were looking to add a shortstop. There had been tons of Reds rumors earlier this winter surrounding the likes of Gregorius, Simmons, and Marcus Semien. Even Dee Strange-Gordon’s name emerged a couple days ago as possible starting shortstop.

Jonathan Villar, while not a longterm solution, would certainly give David Bell a capable shortstop, very similar in the mold of Galvis. Villar is a veteran who’s also able to play second base as well. He has some pop in his bat, but struggled last season, especially after his trade to the Blue Jays.

For the season, Villar hit .232/.301/.292 with two home runs and 15 RBIs. Villar also swiped 16 bases, and that speed is something the Reds lacked last season. Shogo Akiyama’s seven steals led the team in 2020. Villar actually led the league in stolen bases during the 2016 while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

These Reds rumors have not concluded with a signed deal as of yet, but that may potentially happen in the next couple hours if the negotiations between Cincinnati’s front office and Villar’s representation are ongoing.

While this may not have been the blockbuster signing that all of Reds Country was hoping for, adding Jonathan Villar to the team would certainly fill the need of an experienced infielder for this year’s team. The signing would allow Kyle Farmer to do what he does best, and fill in across the infield, while also allowing José García to gain some much need time in the minor leagues.