3 Orioles players who could be on the Reds radar this offseason

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The Baltimore Orioles have been eliminated from the MLB Postseason. After falling to the Texas Rangers in the ALDS, the O's now enter the offseason with an eye toward 2024.

Baltimore had a terrific 2023 campaign, and the Orioles' success should give fans of the Cincinnati Reds reason to smile. Much like the Reds, the O's hit the reset button and through drafting and developing their own players, Baltimore posted the best record in the American League.

But, like every team, the Orioles face some tough questions during the upcoming offseason. Are there any players or prospects that could be on the Reds radar this winter?

1. Orioles pitcher Kyle Gibson could be on the Reds radar this offseason

The Baltimore Orioles, much like the Cincinnati Reds, are not likely to be dealing from their treasure trove of young, exciting prospects. Much like Cincinnati's farm system, the cupboard is quite full in Baltimore.

But the Orioles do have a few free agents who'll be hitting the market this winter. One of which is right-handed starter Kyle Gibson. The 35-year-old has been a steady presence for the Orioles' young rotation all season.

While no one is gong to be blown away by Gibson's stats, for those Reds fans who advocated for Cincinanti to acquire a reliable innings-eater at the trade deadline, the Indiana native fits that profile. Gibson was 15-9 in 33 starts for the Baltimore Orioles this past season and owned a 4.73 ERA in nearly 200 innings of work.

Gibson was an All-Star in 2021 and took home $10-million this past season. The right-hander did lead the league in hits allowed this past season while striking out 157 batters and posting an ERA+ of 87. If you're looking for an ace, Kyle Gibson isn't it. But, if you're looking for a solid No. 4 or No. 5 starter, you could a lot worse than Gibson.

2. Orioles pitcher Jack Flaherty could be on the Reds radar this offseason

There were several fans throughout Reds Country who wanted to see Cincinnati add a starter at the trade deadline. In the end, Nick Krall's only addition was Sam Moll. While Moll performed very well, the Reds lacked starting pitching depth down the stretch.

Jack Flaherty was moved at the deadline. The former St. Louis Cardinals ace was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the O's shipped César Prieto, Drew Rom, and Zack Showalter to the Gateway City. Rom appeared in eight games for the Cardinals and both Prieto and Showalter are among St. Louis' Top 20 prospects.

Flaherty will be a free agent this offseason and is coming off a subpar season. Flaherty went to the All-Star Game in 2019 and finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting. But since that season, one in which Flaherty had the lowest WHIP in the NL, he's played in just 64 and was moved to the Orioles' bullpen this season.

What is Jack Flaherty's market? Honestly, after having another down-year by his standards, Flaherty may be looking for a one-year prove-it deal and re-establish his value or perhaps a one-year contract with a player-option. It shouldn't cost a fortune to sign Flaherty, but the soon-to-be 28-year has been very inconsistent of late.

3. Orioles outfielder Aaron Hicks could be on the Reds radar this offseason

Did the New York Yankees give up on Aaron Hicks too soon? Hicks was designated for assignment by the Bronx Bombers earlier this season and then signed to a minor-league contract by the Baltimore Orioles in late-May.

After Cedric Mullins went down with an injury, the O's turned to Hicks to help fill the void in the outfield. In 65 games with Baltimore this season, Hicks posted a .275/.381/.425 slash line with seven home runs, 35 RBI, and an OPS+ of 127.

Many Reds fans are advocating for the organization to add a right-handed hitting outfielder this offseason to help compliment the left-handed hitting trio of TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Will Benson. Nick Senzel is under team-control for next season as well, but could be traded or non-tendered this winter.

Aaron Hicks is a switch-hitter, but his splits show a sharp increase in production against left-handed pitching. Hicks hit .349/.446/.524 against southpaws in 2023. For his career, Hicks has a .758 OPS against left-handed pitchers.

Historically a centerfielder throughout his career, Hicks can play all three outfield spots. If the Cincinnati Reds are looking for a veteran bat to platoon in the outfield next season, Hicks is a name to watch on the free agent market.

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