3 right-handed hitting outfielders the Cincinnati Reds could target after the lockout

The Cincinnati Reds are set as far as left-handed bats are concerned. Between Joey Votto, Jesse Winker, Mike Moustakas, and Tyler Naquin, David Bell would appear to have four left-handed hitters set to deploy in his everyday lineup.

But if Nick Castellanos, who's still a free agent, is not retained once the lockout if lifted, the Reds may need to add a right-handed bat to their lineup. Kyle Farmer and Jose Barrero (both right-handed hitters) figure to be part of the everyday lineup, as will Jonthan India, Tyler Stephenson and Eugenio Suárez. Nick Senzel could be part of the equation as well, but he's less than reliable.

So it stands to reason that Cincinnati should look to add a right-handed bat to the lineup. With the infield accounted for, Stephenson behind the plate, and the combination of Winker and Naquin in the outfield, there's only one conceivable spot left to add a right-handed bat. Are there any right-handed hitting outfielders available in free agency who would make sense for the Cincinnati Reds?

1. The Cincinnati Reds could sign Kevin Pillar.

Kevin Pillar isn't going to an electric signing, but it's hard to see the Cincinnati Reds doling out multi-year contracts once the MLB lockout is lifted. Pillar, however, could likely be had for a one-year deal after signing multiple one-year pacts over the last few years.

Pillar was a longtime member of the Toronto Blue Jays, but was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2019. After a one-year tenure in the Bay Area, Pillar signed a deal with the Boston Red Sox ahead of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Pillar was traded that season to the Colorado Rockies. Last year, Pillar played 124 games for the New York Mets.

A career slash line of .260/.297/.409 isn't very inspiring, but Kevin Pillar does bring an above-average glove to the table. For his career, Pillar has 52 defensive runs saved and can play all over the outfield, though he has lost a step over the last few seasons.

Pillar's 2021 season was halted after taking a fastball off the face courtesy of Jacob Webb. Pillar missed two weeks with multiple nasal fractures, but returned to the diamond to finish out the season. Kevin Pillar would be considered a low-cost option, and his wRC+ of 104 versus left-handed pitching might see the Cincinnati Reds make an offer.

3. The Cincinnati Reds could sign Jorge Soler.

This option might be a bit more costly than the aforementioned Kevin Pillar and Tommy Pham. That said, if the Cincinnati Reds are looking for an impact right-handed bat and are unwilling to meet Nick Castellanos' contract demands, Jorge Soler could be the ticket.

The outfielder/ designated hitter was the hero of the World Series for the Atlanta Braves, and while he wasn't a hot commodity prior to the lockout, with the addition of the DH to the National League, Soler's market is about to explode.

The former Kansas City Royals' slugger has 121 home runs during his big league career including a 48-homer performance in 2019. That was one less than Eugenio Suárez had that season. But, much like Suárez, Soler comes with a lot of swings and misses.

The 30-year-old has a career strikeout-rate of 26.9%, but dramatically cut down on his strikeouts last season. Soler posted a 34.5% K-rate in 2020, but lowered that number to 23.6% in 2021. Soler has a career wRC+ of 111 and will likely be looking for a multi-year deal.

If the Cincinnati Reds are looking to replace Nick Castellanos, Jorge Soler might be the closest they'll get for the price they're willing to pay. Soler could offer the Reds a lot of value, and could certainly fill in as the team's designated hitter as well.