3 possible destinations for Mike Moustakas after being DFA'd by the Reds

The Cincinnati Reds designated Mike Moustakas for assignment just prior to the Christmas weekend. The move came as a bit of a surprise, as Cincinnati will now have pay the entirety of the $22M remaining on Moustakas' contract.

However, the Reds still have a little less than a week to attempt to work out a trade for the three-time All-Star before attempting to pass him through waivers. But, the most likely scenario would be an outright release and Moustakas joining former teammate Eric Hosmer on the free agent market.

Despite having played rather poorly the past two seasons in Cincinnati and spending more time in the trainer's room than on the field in 2022, Moose is still likely to draw a little bit of interest on the open market. Which three teams could take a flier on Mike Moustakas?

3 possible destinations for Mike Moustakas after being DFA'd by the Reds.

Mike Moustakas signed a four-year/$64M contract with the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 2020 season. In three seasons, Moustakas hit just .216/.300/.383 and landed on the Injured List six separate times last season.

Unless the Reds attach a prospect and a ton of cash to Moose's contract (something the front office should not do), it's most likely that the 34-year-old passes through waivers and will be free to sign with any team in the league. Which three teams are most likely to sign Moustakas this offseason?

Kansas City Royals

This would be a nice way for Mike Moustakas to finish his career. The Kansas City Royals, who much like the Reds are in the midst of a rebuild, could sign Moustakas to a one-year deal and insert him into the lineup as the team's desiganted hitter.

Moustakas spent his first eight seasons with the Royals ans helped the team to a World Series Championship in 2015. Kansas City doesn't need Moustakas, but Royals fans saw the front office sign former pitcher Zack Greinke last offseason, perhaps KC is trying to get the band back together.

San Diego Padres

Maybe a trip back to So Cal would do Mike Moustakas some good. After making it all the way to the National League Championship Series in 2022, the San Diego Padres will have their eyes fixed on a return to the postseason and making a run at the World Series in 2023.

San Diego has already lost Brandon Drury, Josh Bell, and Wil Myers (who signed with the Cincinnati Reds just last week) in free agency. The Padres signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts this offseason and recently added Matt Carpenter, but perhaps another left-handed corner infielder would be of interest to San Diego's GM A.J. Preller.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox lost longtime first baseman Jose Abreu to the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. The South Siders are also aching for a left-handed bat. Maybe it makes sense for the White Sox to sign Mike Moustakas.

Andrew Benintendi and Gavin Sheets are the only true left-handed bats in the Chicago lineup, but Yasmani Grandal, Leury Garcia, and Yoan Moncada are all switch-hitters. Chicago hasn't done much this offseason with the exception of adding Benintendi, so it wouldn't be shocking to see Rick Hahn attempt to sign Moustakas to a one-year contract.