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2 Reds players who'll price themselves out through arbitration and 1 who'll be a bargain

The Reds have 10 players eligible for arbitration this offseason.

By Drew Koch |
Cincinnati Reds infielder Nick Senzel
Cincinnati Reds infielder Nick Senzel / Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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The good folks over MLB Trade Rumors released their latest projections for this year's arbitration salaries. It's important to note that this is an inexact science, but the projections usually line up pretty well with the actual arbitration figure.

It'll be the first time through the process for at least three of the Cincinnati Reds players. This is Year 1 of arbitration eligiblity for Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson, and Jake Fraley. It would appear as though Vladimir Gutierrez is eligible for Super Two status and may be in line for a raise as well.

Next month, however, the Reds will have to make a few difficult decisions when it comes to some of their players who are up for arbitration. Are there a handful of players who've priced themselves out of a job? Are there any bargains among this year's crop of arbitration eilgible players? Let's find out.

Derek Law has priced himself out of the Reds plans for 2024

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Derek Law is projected to make $1.7-million in 2024. Now that's not a huge figure at all, and considering that the right-hander was one of the most reliable relievers, it wouldn't be shocking to see Law return in 2024.

However, the same thing happened last offseason. Law pitched well enough to stick around, but before the non-tender deadline, the veteran was handed his walking papers. I'd argue that he had a better season in 2023, but it's not as if the Reds roster is devoid of middle relief talent that could fill Law's shoes.

Any one of Casey Legumina, Levi Stoudt, or Lyon Richardson could probably give Cincinnati similar production for the league minimum next season. Moreover, those three pitchers all have minor league optoins remaining. Unfortunately for Law, he does not.

Derek Law is a solid, veteran pitcher, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cincinnati Reds re-sign the 33-year-old to a minor-league contract during the winter. However, the former ninth-round draft pick may well be able to secure a major league contract with another club during the offseason.

Nick Senzel has priced himself out of the Reds plans for 2024

There's a world where Nick Senzel can still be part of the Cincinnati Reds roster in 2024, but after being optioned back to Triple-A this past summer, that seems to be more of a dream than a reality.

The fact of the matter is that Senzel, at least on this year's Reds team, is a platoon player. Senzel had great success against left-handed pitching and displayed his defensive versatility multiple times during the 2023 season.

However, there appeared to be a rift at the middle of the season after Senzel, his agent, and the Reds' management discussed his decreased role on the ball club. With Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer, Senzel had become a part-time player.

That role will not change next season, in fact, it may only get worse. With MLB Trade Rumors predicting that Senzel's 2024 salary could be $3-million, it's easy to see how the two sides might decide to part ways during the offseason.

I still believe Nick Senzel holds value, and rather than non-tendering the 27-year-old, I'd rather see Nick Krall work his magic and find another team willing to take on the former first-round pick. Senzel is looking for a new chance, and the Reds will be looking to replace him on the 40-man roster. This seems like all but a sure thing.

Tejay Antone could be a bargain for the Reds in 2024

Now, let's put a big astrisk next to this prediction, because if Tejay Antone is not fully healthy, then there's no way you'll be able to consider his 2024 salary a bargain. However, according to MLB Trade Rumors, Antone can probably expect to make about $900,000 next season.

If, and this is a big if, the right-hander is able to return to that pitcher he was in 2020 and 2021, then the Cincinnati Reds have a steal of deal in Tejay Antone. The 29-year-old was only able to pitch in five games for the Reds this season.

Antone, who was recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2022, missed spring training and the start of the regular season after suffering a setback in his rehab. Antone was unable to join the Reds until September, though he was quite affective in those five outings.

In 5.2 innings of work, Antone posted a 33.3-percent strikeout-rate, 1.53 ERA, and 1.84 FIP while recording a ground ball-rate of 66.7-percent. Now, that was an incredibly small sample size, but fans have seen this type of production from Antone before.

If Tejay Antone is able to return to form in 2024, having a backend of the bullpen piece under contract for less than $1-million is an absolute bargain. The Cincinnati Reds already have Lucas Sims, Frenando Cruz, and Alexis Diaz ready to take the ball late in games. Antone could add even more reassurance when the Reds have the lead late.

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