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

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.