Cincinnati Reds: Predicting 5 potential contract extensions

Amir Garrett, Reds left-handed pitcher

Projected contract extension: 4 years/$19M

The reliever market has exploded recently, and Amir Garrett is arguably one of the best left-handed relief pitchers in the game. Garrett is under team control through the 2023 season and recently signed a one-year/$1.5M contract to avoid arbitration. Are the Reds ready to count on AG moving into the future?

Edwin Diaz, one of the better closers in baseball, signed a one-year/$7M contract with the New York Mets this winter, avoiding arbitration. Diaz will be a free agent following the 2022 season. Josh Hader, the talented lefty for the Brewers, lost his arbitration case this offseason, but will still take home $6.68M in 2021.

It’s a bit unfair to put Garrett among the best closers in the game, especially considering he’s only got one save in this entire major league career. However, Garrett looks like the odds-on favorite to take the vacancy left by Raisel Iglesias.

But, without a track record a locking down opponents late in games, Nick Krall and the Reds front office should be leery of dealing out a ton to Garrett until he proves he can handle the gig. He’ll have competition this season from longtime Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle and right-hander Lucas Sims.

Amir Garrett would be a fine candidate for a contract extension this spring, but only if the price is right. If Garrett shows that he can handle the closing duties, then his price tag will only go up. However, if he struggles in his new role, the Reds may have overpaid a bit for left-handed specialist.