5 former Terry Francona players who could join the Reds this offseason

When you're a future Hall of Famer, you tend to attract a crowd. Reds Country will see plenty of folks descend upon Great American Ball Park this morning when Terry Francona is introduced as the Cincinnati Reds new manager.

The Reds made the announcement official on Friday and an introductory press conference is scheduled to take place this morning. It'll be interesting to see how many current Reds players are in attendance to welcome their new skipper to town.

But more intriguing could be some of Tito's former players who may find their way to Cincinnati next season. As is oftentimes the case, managers and coaches look to bring along a few players with whom they're familiar to help instill some principles and help in the transition. Which Francona disciples could join the Reds this offseason?

5 former Terry Francona players who could join the Reds this offseason

Though he's managed for 23 seasons, Francona just retired last year after an 11-year run with the Cleveland Guardians, so it's not as if the Reds would have to target some former players who are long in the tooth. Francona has presided over several young players, and a few could become free agents this offseason. Others might be under contract with other clubs, but could be potential trade targets this winter.

Shane Bieber, Guardians RHP

This name should surprise no one. Shane Bieber was on the Reds' radar last offseason. Both Bieber and Tyler Glasnow were said to be popular names among Reds executives, and there were whispers of a possible trade between the Reds and Guardians ahead of the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, Bieber made it just two games into the season before his arm gave out. The former Cy Young Award-winner underwent Tommy John surgery last spring, so his availability for the upcoming season could be in question. But Bieber is a free agent, and it'll be very interesting to see if Cleveland attaches a Qualifying Offer to him this winter.

Austin Hedges, Guardians catcher

Luke Maile has a club-option for 2025 and has already played under Francona while with the Guardians. But if the Reds decline Maile's option, perhaps Austin Hedges enters the mix as a possible backup to Tyler Stephenson.

Hedges' bat is no better than Maile's, and arguably worse. But the veteran backstop plays terrific defense behind the plate. According to Baseball Savant, Hedges was among the 70th percentile or better in both blocks above average and framing. Francona will undoubtedly be preaching defense, and Hedges is a well-respected defensive-minded catcher.

Enyel De Los Santos, White Sox pitcher

Enyel De Los Santos had his best years under Francona in Cleveland. De Los Santos appeared in 60-plus games for three different teams this past season and owned a 5.20 ERA and 1.406 WHIP. But from 2022-2023, De Los Santos was a member of the Guardians bullpen.

During that stretch, the right-hander was 10-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 123 punch outs in 120 appearances. The Reds bullpen will likely undergo some changes this offseason, and securing De Los Santos' services could be on Nick Krall's offseason wishlist.

Carlos Carrasco, Guardians pitcher

Carlos Carrasco's best years are behind him. The veteran led the American League in wins back in 2017 and was a key piece of Cleveland's starting rotation for nearly a decade. But over the last few seasons, Carrasco's lost a step. Since 2021, while playing for both the Guardians and New York Mets, Carrasco is 22-30 with a 5.38 ERA in 82 starts.

But, if the Reds are in the market for a veteran starter to help offer length, perhaps Carrasco would be willing to sign a minor-league deal with Cincinnati this offseason. There are far worse options, and so long as Carrasco is viewed as a potential injury replacement and not an actual starter in the Reds rotation, there's no harm is bringing in the 37-year-old to help mentor the young pitching staff.

Myles Straw, Guardians outfielder

Myles Straw has fallen out of favor with the Guardians. The 29-year-old spent almost all of the 2024 season in the minor leagues and still only managed to hit .240/.331/.340 with six homers and 47 RBI. But Straw is a glove-first outfielder with a Gold Glove on his résumé and the type of speed that would fit well in Cincinnati.

From 2022-2023, Straw racked up 41 stolen bases and was only caught seven times. According to Baseball Savant, Straw ranked among the 92nd percentile or higher in sprint speed during both of the those seasons and was worth a combined 18 outs above average (OAA).

Straw has about $14 million left on his deal, so unless Cleveland was willing to pay down some of his current contract, it's unlikely the Reds would entertain such a trade. But if Francona's emphasis on defense takes top priority, you're not going to find many outfielders who are better than Straw.

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