3 backend starters the Reds could sign to a minor-league contract

One would surmise that the frontend of the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation is set for the 2023 season. After terrific rookie campaigns from the trio of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft, the Reds would appear to have three-fifths of their starting rotation in place for next season.

Luis Cessa, Brandon Williamson, Levi Stoudt, Connor Overton, and Justin Dunn will be vying for a spot in the rotation as well, but Cincinnati will probably be kicking the tires on several free agent starters in the coming weeks as well.

It's not every Reds fan's favorite exercise, but after adding Curt Casali and Wil Myers while also being on the hook for Mike Moustakas' 2022 salary ($18M, plus $4M buyout), it seems likely that the remainder of free agent signings will be of the minor-league variety. Which three backend starters could sign with the Reds?

1. Chase Anderson could sign a minor-league contract with the Reds.

Let's get the most obvious answer out of the way first. Honestly, it's a bit surprising that this transaction hasn't already happened. The Cincinnati Reds signed Chase Anderson late last season, and the right-hander had some measure of success in his nine apperances.

Anderson, who previously worked with Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson in Milwaukee, went 2-4 with an ERA of 6.38. Anderson made seven starts and had a nice stretch of four games when he struck out 17 batters over 18 innings of work and owned a 2.50 ERA from September 10th through the 26th.

Anderson may still be searching for a major league contract, hoping that his late-season performance was enough to warrant some guaranteed money from a franchise seeking a backend starter.

If Chase Anderson re-signs with the Cincinnati Reds in the coming weeks, he'll undoubtedly be in the mix, not only for the starting rotation, but also as a reliever. Anderson has started 199 games over his career, but has also made 17 appearances out of the bullpen. With Jeff Hoffman now searching for a new team, the Reds could use a swingman in 2023.

2. Chad Kuhl could sign a minor-league contract with the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds fans should be quite familiar with Chad Kuhl. A ninth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013, Kuhl spent five years with the Buccos before joining the Colorado Rockies in 2022.

Last season, Kuhl made 27 starts that covered 137 innings. The right-hander went 6-11 with a 5.72 ERA, which was over 1.00 higher than he'd poste during his time in the Steel City. Of course, the thin air in Denver is never friendly to pitchers.

However, his home/ road splits reveal that Kuhl was actually better in the hitter-friendly Coors Field than he was on the road. At home, Kuhl posted a 5.04 ERA and opposing hitter slashed just .275/.330/.459. But on the road, Kuhl allowed the opposition to light him up to the tune of .292/.376/.536.

Kuhl was quite susceptible to the long ball, but 15 of his 25 home runs allowed came while he was on the road. Kuhl struck out a total of 110 batters and owned a 1.555 WHIP. However, his BB/9 of 3.8 was the lowest the right-hander had seen since 2018.

Chad Kuhl hasn't had the best track record at Great American Ball Park with a 5.49 ERA in four starts. But if the Cincinnati Reds are looking for a backend starter who could gobble up innings, Kuhl might not be such a bad choice.