4 more ex-Reds who could sign minor-league deals before spring training begins

Why not?

Los Angeles Angels infielder Brandon Drury
Los Angeles Angels infielder Brandon Drury | G Fiume/GettyImages

The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of free agent signings this week — most of which were minor-league deals with an invitation to join the club in spring training. The Reds added Albert Abreu, Joe La Sorsa, and former Cincinnati starter Wade Miley.

ESPN's Buster Olney revealed on Friday that about seven dozen free agents remain unsigned with the calendar set to flip to February. Teams will soon be converging on Arizona and Florida for spring training, and as Olney correctly points out, most of those remaining free agents will soon have to decide between signing a minor-league deal or retirement.

Several of unsigned free agents have spent time in the Reds organization. Seeing as how Cincinnati reunited with Miley this past week, are there any other ex-Reds who should be signed to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training?

4 former Reds players who could sign minor-league deals before spring training begins

Adam Duvall, former Reds outfielder

This is a name that's been lingering on the free agent market the past few seasons, but the Reds have failed to entertain a reunion. Maybe this year will be different. Duvall's lone All-Star season came in 2016 as a member of the Reds. The veteran outfielder is coming off an atrocious campaign with the Atlanta Braves, and is unlikely to sniff a major-league deal this offseason. But at 36 years old, perhaps this is the end of the line for former University of Louisville standout.

Connor Joe, former Reds infielder

Joe never played in a regular season game for the Reds, but was in spring camp with Cincinnati back in 2019. After being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, Joe was fighting for roster spot during spring training before being traded to the San Francisco Giants. Since making his major league debut in 2019, Joe has been a solid utility player with a career .242/.337/.391 slash line. Joe can play all over the diamond, but is best suited in right field or at first base.

Brandon Drury, former Reds infielder

Just like Duvall, Drury's best season came during his stint in a Reds uniform. After signing a minor-league deal in 2022, Drury blasted 20 home runs in 92 games with the Reds. Drury's first-half of that season led to his popularity at the MLB trade deadline, and he was dealt to the San Diego Padres. An injury-plagued season in 2024 saw him hit just .169/.242/.228 in 97 games with the Los Angeles Angels. Drury could be a strong candidate to bounce back in 2025.

Lucas Sims, former Reds pitcher

Seeing Sims struggle in 2024 and eventually dealt to the Boston Red Sox was a tough scene to watch. The right-hander was the longest-tenured Reds player at the time, but Sims lost his command, as evidenced by his increase in free passes. His 14% walk rate in 2024 was among the worst in the big leagues. But Sims has a live arm, and if he's healthy, could be a tremendous asset for a Reds bullpen that's still missing some insurance at the backend.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors

Schedule