Cincinnati Reds: 3 dark horse candidates to start at shortstop in 2021

Are there any dark horse candidates who could start at shortstop for the Reds?

There’s a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the starting shortstop position for the Cincinnati Reds entering the 2021 season. Last season, the team ran with veteran infielder Freddy Galvis only to turn the reins over to rookie shortstop José García. Heading into spring training, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will start at shortstop on April 1st against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Reds front office made several failed attempts to sign a free agent shortstop this winter. Didi Gregorius, Marcus Semien, and Andrelton Simmons all signed elsewhere and even Galvis signed a free agent deal. Francisco Lindor was out of Cincinnati’s price range to begin with, but the four-time All-Star also has new home with the New York Mets.

Cincinnati has been rumored to be looking into possible trades to upgrade the position. Names like Trevor Story, Amed Rosario, and Willy Adames have been whispered as possible solutions, but there hasn’t been much conversation of late. Even Jonathan Villar, rumored to be on Cincinnati’s radar, is now off the board.

As it stands right now, the Cincinnati Reds would likely enter the upcoming season with former catcher and utility infielder Kyle Farmer as the Opening Day shortstop. I’m honestly not opposed to this move, but there are concerns over Farmer’s ability to field the position on a full-time basis. Who are some dark horse candidates that could fill in at shortstop for the Reds in 2021?