MLB free agency perfect storm could lead to Reds offseason dream scenario

The Cincinnati Reds have been their predictably pedestrian selves in free agency. Reds' president of baseball operations Nick Krall has made a handful of trades that unquestionably make the organization better, but no one can objectively look at Cincinnati's roster right now and claim that this is a championship-caliber team. But adding Alex Bregman would certainly put them in that conversation.

The longtime Houston Astros third baseman is languishing on the free agent, and is just begging for the right team to sign him. The Astros have already moved on from the two-time All-Star after trading for Isaac Paredes and signing Christian Walker. The New York Yankees are out, and while the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers have been heavily linked to the 30-year-old infielder, he remains unsigned.

So what would it take to sign Bregman this offseason? Most reports suggest that the Gold Glover is seeking a six-year deal worth at least $200 million. Seeing that number will automatically make Bob Castellini's wallet hurt, but there's a reason Bregman is still unsigned. Obviously, no team has met his asking price quite yet, and that's exactly why the Reds should make a play for Bregman's services.

MLB free agency perfect storm could lead to Reds offseason dream scenario — signing Alex Bregman

Now Cincinnati would never come close to offering a $200 million contract, but what if the Reds were able to extend a short-term deal with a high average annual value (AAV)? When Bregman's former teammate Carlos Correa hit the free agent market during the 2021-22 offseason, he had to settle for a three-year, $105.3 million deal with opts outs after the first two seasons. Why couldn't the Reds offer something similar to Bregman this offseason.

Third base is a black hole at the moment. If the season started today, one of Jeimer Candelario, Santiago Espinal, or Noelvi Marte is going to be the Reds Opening Day third baseman, and that should terrify the Cincinnati faithful. Candelario is coming off a down-year in which he was plagued by injuries, Esipnal is more of a platoon player/ utility infielder, and Marte's 2024 campaign was forgettable in every way imaginable.

The addition of Gavin Lux has made the infield alignment a bit easier to digest, but the Reds still lack a true everyday third baseman. Bregman hasn't ever matched his production from 2019, but over the past three seasons, he's hit .260/.349/.449 with 74 home runs and 266 RBI. If you're a Reds fan who's been clamoring for that middle-of-the-order right-handed bat, Bregman fits that description like a glove.

The Reds' payroll is just a touch over $100 million at the moment, and with the new TV deal, Cincinnati's front office has a little more money to spend. Why not throw it at the best remaining free agent on the open market? Yes, it's quite unlikely (perhaps unfathomable), but a guy can dream, right?

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