Kyle Farmer's estimated arbitration salary is high, maybe even too high for the Reds

MLB Trade Rumors routinely publishes a projection of what every arbitration-eligible player's salary is likely to be during the upcoming season. The Cincinnati Reds have 11 players up for arbitration this offseason.

Among them is last year's team MVP Kyle Farmer. The Reds infielder led Cincinnati in several meaningful categories and was a leader on the field and in the clubhouse.

But is Kyle Farmer's estimated arbitration number too high for what he actually provides on the field? Farmer is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to take home $5.9M in 2023.

Is Kyle Farmer's estimated arbitration salary too high for the Reds?

First, let's dismiss the idea that the Cincinnati Reds cannot afford Kyle Farmer's services in 2023. The Reds have just two guaranteed contracts (Joey Votto and Mike Moustakas) on he books next season, so Cincinnati can more than afford to pay Farmer $5.9M.

The Reds signed Donovan Solano to a one-year/$4.5M contract last spring and the veteran posted a slash line of .284/.339/.385 with an OPS+ of 97. Last season, Farmer hit .255/.315/.386 with an OPS+ of 90.

The question is whether or not the Reds could pay the nearly $6M for Farmer's services in 2023, but whether or not they should. Next year's Reds team will be full of young players (Spencer Steer, Jose Barrero, Alejo Lopez, etc.) that need playing time in order to develop.

While it's difficult to see the Cincinnati Reds non-tender Kyle Farmer due to his popularity with the fanbase, one also has to question if signing the veteran for $6M is a wise decision.

Perhaps the best move the Reds could make would be to offer Farmer a two-year contract extension that's mutually beneficial for both he and the ball club. Having a reliable veteran infielder with Farmer's positional versatility is very valuable to most teams, but that $6M estimated salary might be too rich for the Reds' blood.