Extensions to Reds' core would lessen fan angst over lack of free agent spending

The Cincinnati Reds tend to keep a tight grip on the purse strings, but occasionally, Nick Krall and Co. make an exception for an exceptional player. Hunter Greene, for example, inked a six-year extension during the 2023 season. Now’s the time for the Reds front office to go to that model again: shell out a bit for the young core while they are still relatively low-cost.

In fact, Greene’s deal could be the blueprint for an extension for lefty Andrew Abbott. Greene signed a pre-arbitration contract with an AAV of just under $9 million. Abbott has been just as good, if not better, than Greene was over his first two seasons, outperforming the fireballer in ERA, innings pitched, WHIP, and walk rate.

The Reds should focus on extending the solid youngsters before turning their attention to the stars

The shoulder strain that cost Abbott the final month of the season should not scare the Reds. If anything, now is the time to take a chance and buy low on a guy who has avoided the IL despite turning in 100-plus innings for the past four years. Abbott is a workhorse, and the Reds should reward that work now.

Similarly, Cincy should look to lock in catcher Tyler Stephenson for the long term. If this offseason has taught the Reds anything, it has been how quickly the price tags can skyrocket and how hard finding a good backstop is. 

Our own Drew Koch ballparked a deal in the realm of six years, $65 million, which would be a major step up from the $5.2 million he is estimated to receive this year in arbitration. Good catchers are hard to come by, though, and the only significant catching prospect in the Reds’ system, Alfredo Duno, is years away from the majors. Five or six years of Stephenson gives the Reds a solid bat in its prime and a couple of years of trade value should Duno develop into a big-league caliber catcher.

Finally, the Reds should extend Spencer Steer, especially since an Elly De La Cruz long-term deal seems all but dead. Steer’s breakout season gave Cincy a second power-speed threat as well as versatility in the field. He’s been more than happy to jump into whatever role the Reds need him in, and it’s about time for the club to reward that loyalty. After all, what good is saving money if it's never spent?

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