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Dodgers non-tender candidate could be a perfect fit for the Reds

You're not going to find a better complimentary player.
ByDrew Koch
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Atlanta Braves left fielder Alex Call (12) on third base against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Atlanta Braves left fielder Alex Call (12) on third base against the Los Angeles Dodgers | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Dodgers were embarrassed at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers during the National League Championship Series, and as such, there are bound to be a number of changes to the team's roster this coming winter.

One such roster casualty is likely to be outfielder Alex Call, a player who Dodgers' insider Katie Woo tabbed as a non-tender candidate. Woo, a beat writer for The Athletic (subscription required), referred to Call's spot on the roster as redundant, and referenced a myriad of talented outfield prospects who could replace the 32-year-old next season.

If Call is non-tendered at next month's deadline, the Cincinnati Reds should quickly pounce on the opportunity to bring him into the fold. The veteran's .233/.349/.307 slash line doesn't exactly scream impact player, but when you dive a little deeper into the numbers, you can see exactly why the Reds should making signing him a priority this offseason.

Alex Call is a perfect fit for the Reds if he's non-tendered by the Dodgers

Call is a specialist of sorts, and would be a terrific platoon partner for JJ Bleday or Héctor Rodríguez. His career splits against left-handed pitching is impressive (.264/.350/.412 with a 112 wRC+), but those numbers were even better this past season (.290/.408/.419 with a 136 wRC+).

Call is also a very disciplined hitter, as evidenced by his 11.8% walk rate against both left and right-handed pitchers, along with his meager 17.9% strikeout rate. He also had one of the lowest chase rates (24.3%) and whiff rates (17.2%) in the majors last season. In short, Call is exactly the type of hitter Reds' president Nick Krall has been talking about adding to the roster.

Adding Call would mirror the team's acquisition of Dane Myers last winter. A late-bloomer, Call will be eligible for arbitration, but most estimates predict his salary to be right around $2 million, and he has minor league options remaining.

Krall has cited the Reds' need to give manager Terry Francona better platoon options heading into next season. Cincinnati will be hard-pressed to find a better fit for that type of role than Call.

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