This low-cost option would make Reds look wise for not overpaying Teoscar Hernandez

Just because the Cincinnati Reds have reportedly put an end to their "major" spending this offseason doesn't mean there aren't still plenty of ways the roster could be upgraded through low-cost or minor-league signings.

Many Reds fans were hoping to see the team add a big bat, like Teoscar Hernandez, to the lineup this winter. While that seems excessive and obviously expensive, adding one more capable outfielder to platoon with Jake Fraley and Will Benson would be the icing on the cake to the Reds' winter moves.

ESPN's Jeff Passan is reporting that the free agent market for corner outfielders is a tough one; suggesting that those players may have to sign for less than they'd thought. This could work in the Reds favor. Robbie Grossman who would seem to fit perfectly into Cincinnati's plans heading into next season.

Adding Robbie Grossman would make Reds look wise for not overpaying Teoscar Hernandez

Robbie Grossman, who played last season for the World Series Champion Texas Rangers, is still a free agent. Grossman isn't in the same class as Teoscar Hernandez or Jorge Soler when it comes to power, but the 34-year-old fits fits the bill of a platoon outfielder.

Grossman, who's a switch-hitter, excels against left-handed pitching and can play both corner outfield spots. Last season, Grossman hit .238/.340/.394 for the Rangers. But against lefties, Grossman's slash line is a robust .309/.416/.536.

Grossman's .952 OPS against southpaws is better than that Teoscar Hernandez's .817 OPS against lefties last season and pretty close to the 1.008 OPS that former Reds' utility player Nick Senzel posted against left-handers in 2023.

Senzel signed an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Washington Nationals earlier this offseason, so perhaps the Reds could ink Grossman to something similar. Grossman earned $2 million with the Rangers last season and made just over $3 million the year prior while he was with the Detroit Tigers. Something in that range would probably be enough to lure the outfielder to the Queen City.

Hitters always thrive when they play half of their games at Great American Ball Park. Robbie Grossman could find that Brandon Drury-type magic on a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds and parlay it into another, more lucrative free agent deal next offseason.

At the moment, the Reds would be turning to Stuart Fairchild or, even worse, Jonathan India in the outfield when Cincinnati takes the field against a left-handed pitcher. One more small signing won't hurt. C'mon, Nick Krall, make the deal.