Brian Anderson could follow in Brandon Drury's footsteps by signing with the Reds

Miami Marlins right fielder Brian Anderson (15) slides to catch
Miami Marlins right fielder Brian Anderson (15) slides to catch / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Drury experienced a career-year after signing a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. Drury, who had previously played for four other organizations before signing with Cincinnati last spring, slashed .274/.335/.520 in 92 games for the Reds last season.

Drury was a hot name at the trade deadline and was eventually dealt to the San Diego Padres. The 30-year-old was handsomely rewarded with a two-year/$17M contract and will suit up for the Los Angeles Angels next season.

Could infielder Brian Anderson do the same? Anderson was released by the Miami Marlins and is currently a free agent.

Brian Anderson could follow in Brandon Drury's footsteps by signing with the Reds.

Does Brian Anderson fit a need? Not exactly. The Cincinnati Reds have a plethora of infielders and more third basemen than they care to count. But, Anderson does have experience in the outfield as well. The 29-year-old saw 44 games split between right and left field while playing for the Miami Marlins in 2022.

Anderson is also a right-handed hitter. With the lion's share of Cincinnati outfielders hitting from the left side, finding a right-handed bat should be relatively high on Nick Krall's shopping list.

Before last season, Drury had played over 500 major league games with a career slash line of .249/.296/.415 and a career-OPS+ of 84. Drury's OPS+ of 122 last season helped him secure a significant contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Most of Drury's production came while playing for the Reds, who just so happen to play half their games in a very hitter-friendly ballpark.

LoanDepot Park, the Miami Marlins' home stadium, is known to be much more pitcher-friendly. Anderson's career home/ road split's don't necessarily reflect a tremendous difference. But one look at the numbers that Drury posted at Great American Ball Park (.298/.354/.561) should make any free agent looking for a bounce-back year to sign a one-year deal with the Reds this offseason.

Brian Anderson was entering his final year of arbitration before the Marlins cut him loose at the non-tender deadline. Anderson could sign a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds and re-enter free agency with eye toward cashing in the way Brandon Drury did after his lone season in Cincinnati.

3 Reds prospects who are flying under the radar. dark. Next