3 Reds players who could use a change of scenery in 2023

2. Reds 3B Mike Moustakas could use a change of scenery in 2023.

What a flop this has been, huh? Signing Mike Moustakas to a four-year/$64M contract will go down as one of the worst free agent signings in franchise history. Heck, it's not a stretch to suggest that it's one of worst free agent signings in the history of Major League Baseball.

Just like Nick Senzel, injuries have played a key role in Moustakas' lack of production since coming to Cincinnati. The three-time All-Star found his way onto the Injured List six different times during the 2022 season. Moose has yet to play more than 80 games since signing with the Reds prior to the 2020 season.

Just as is the case with Senzel, there's just too many good, young players coming up through the Reds farm system to have their playing time reduced because of Moustakas' presence on the roster. The biggest road block with Moustakas, that's not the case with Senzel, is the gargantuan payday the veteran is set to collect in 2023.

Moose's salary next season is $18M and his contract carries a $4M buyout for the 2024 season; like was mentioned, it's one of the worst in Major League Baseball history. Very few teams would be willing to stomach taking on such a contract for a player that's hit just .216 over the past three seasons.

Maybe the Cincinnati Reds and Mike Moustakas will just part ways after the World Series. That's the approach the Chicago Cubs have chosen to take with outfielder Jason Heyward. The Reds released Shogo Akiyama last spring and ate his $8M contract, but there's a lot more zeroes in Moose's deal. Will Bob Castellini really write Moustakas a $22M check to play elsewhere in 2023?