1 top-tier starter the Reds should target during free agency and 2 they should avoid

The Cincinnati Reds are likley to be in the market for starting pitching once free agency opens. The problem for the Reds is that 29 other teams will be doing the same thing.

After watching the likes of Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Nathan Eovaldi dominate the opposition during the MLB Postseason, it's become more obvious than ever before that top-flight pitching is necessary to go deep into the playoffs.

While it's not their style, the Reds have the ability to sign high-dollar free agents this offseason given that Hunter Greene and Luke Maile are the only contracts on the books for 2024. Which two free agent starters should the Reds target during free agent, and which one should remain off the team's radar?

The Reds should target Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery during free agency

Jordan Montgomery should be the Cincinnati Reds' No. 1 target on the free agent market this offseason. The left-hander has pitched exceedingly well during the postseason, and the Reds need a veteran arm like Montgomery in the rotation.

Montgomery has been all over the place the past few seasons. Since 2021, Montgomery has toed the rubber for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers. The southpaw has posted a sub-4.00 ERA the past three seasons.

Montgomery does a decent job of keeping the ball in the ballpark. Over the past three years, Montgomery has a ground ball-rate of 43-percent or better. The 30-year-old also keeps the base paths clear with a walk-rate of just 6.2-percent this season.

Jordan Montgomery has one thing going for him that many others on this list won't; the lefty won't be tied to a qualifying offer. Since Montgomery was traded midseason, the Rangers can not offer the hurler a qualifying offer, so there's no draft compensation necessary in order to sign Montgomery.