4 free agents with shrinking markets who suddenly make sense for Reds

With just a few weeks remaining before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the MLB offseason has slowed to a crawl. But there are still plenty of free agents who've yet to sign a new deal, and that could work in the Cincinnati Reds favor.

Cincinnati has yet to land that impact bat fans continue to clamor for, but that doesn't mean those types of players aren't still available. The Reds didn't sign Nick Castellanos until January 27, 2020, and this lull in the offseason could provide the perfect opportunity to do something similar and secure a free agent nobody thought would be possible.

There are at least four free agents who haven't seen the type of response on the open market most expected. Could the lack of interest now given the Reds a chance to pull off a surprise signing?

4 free agents with shrinking markets who suddenly make sense for Reds

Luis Arraez, free agent infielder

Some Reds fans would absolutely hate the idea of Luis Arraez playing in Cincinnati — mostly because he has virtually no pop in his bat. Still there are others who would undoubtedly love his style of play. Arraez is arguably the best contact hitter in the league and he almost never strikes out. If you hate the three true outcomes of baseball (walk, strikeout, or home run), then Arraez is your guy.

He would also bring some insurance to a Reds infield that has little depth at second base behind Matt McLain. Defense is not Arraez's strong suit, but he has plenty of experience on the right side of the infield. Arraez's style of play doesn't fit the archetype most GMs are looking for nowadays, but if the Reds could sign him for less than $10 million per season, it would be an absolute bargain.

Eugenio Suárez, free agent infielder

It's strange that Eugenio Suárez remains on the open market. Last season, he crushed 49 home runs and racked up 118 RBI. Kyle Schwarber had 56 bombs and 132 RBI and had little issue securing a five-year, $150 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. There are obvious differences between the two players, but it's odd that Suárez still remains unsigned.

A reunion with Geno would likely push Spencer Steer to the outfield — thereby making the Reds defense worse — but it would certainly add a home run threat to the middle of the batting order. If Cincy could find a way to sign Suárez for less than $15 million per season, they should jump on the opportunity. The Reds were willing to dish out $125 million over five years for Schwarber, so a two-year, $28 million offer to Suárez (with an option for 2028) shouldn't be a huge ask.

Rhys Hoskins, free agent designated hitter

While Arraez and Suárez couldn't be more different, Rhys Hoskins could give the Reds the best of both worlds. Hoskins doesn't chase pitches outside the strike zone, draws plenty of walks, and would provide enough pop to make him a dangerous part of the lineup. Hoskins missed time with a thumb injury last season, and that may be affecting his market.

Unlike that Arraez and Suárez, Hoskins may only be able to secure a one-year deal — something that should be appealing to the Reds' brass. Cincinnati might be able offer the former Milwaukee Brewers slugger an incentive-laden deal that could max out at $8 million, but much like the idea of signing Suàrez, adding Hoskins would likely push Steer to the outfield.

Nick Martinez, free agent pitcher

There are a number of Reds fans who'll scoff at the idea of reuniting with Nick Martinez, but doing so could offer a unique opportunity to maintain Cincinnati's greatest strength — the starting rotation — while also adding an impact bat to the lineup. If the Reds were to strike a free agent deal with Martinez, it would then permit the front office to shop Brady Singer.

Singer is slated to earn about $13 million in 2026, and it's doubtful that Martinez will earn much more than that on the open market. A two-year, $25 million for Martinez would fortify Cincinnati's rotation and allow them to trade Singer in exchange for a bat. Martinez could then operate in that unique hybrid role while allowing the young Reds starters time to mature.