Why pursuing free agent outfielder Adam Duvall makes perfect sense for the Reds

Aristides Aquino, who would run into a home run every so often and make some fantastic throws from right field, was extremely strikeout-prone and after giving The Punisher ample opportunities in 2022, the Cincinnati Reds finally decided to pull the plug.

The Reds made the decision to designate Aquino for assignment on Tuesday. While the move was somewhat expected, this now leaves a hole in the Reds outfield.

Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, and even Michael Siani are expected to receive increased playing time in 2023. But the team could still use a free agent outfielder to help bring some stability and veteran leadership to the table. Former Reds outfielder Adam Duvall is that guy.

Why pursuing Adam Duvall makes perfect sense for the Reds.

Last season, the Cincinnati Reds allowed Nick Castellanos to enter free agency and traded away Jesse Winker. Both outfidlers were All-Stars in 2021, but it became apparent very quickly that Cincinnati was not interested in competing during the 2022 season.

Prior to Opening Day, the Reds inked former San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year/$6M contract and inserted him into Winker's spot in left field. Eventually, the Redlegs would deal Pham to the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.

Cincinnati is likely to have a similar type of mindset this offseason. The team is concentrating more on developing its young talent rather than actually winning ballgames. That may be tough to stomach for the Cincinnati faithful, but it's true.

With that in mind, the Cincinnati Reds should be looking for a serviceable outfielder in free agency that could come relatively cheap. Enter Adam Duvall. The former Reds outfielder was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2018, but after undergoing wrist surgery this past season, Duvall is entering free agency and will be looking for an opportunity to re-establish his value.

The Reds could offer Duvall the perfect opportunity to do so. Duvall, a right-handed slugger, could help offset the left-handed hitting dominating outfield of Friedl, Fraley, and Siani. While not near the defender he was in the past, Duvall is still an above-average defender.

Outside of Joey Votto and Kyle Farmer, the Cincinnati Reds roster is devoid of veteran leadership. Adding a seasoned performer like Adam Duvall to a one-year contract would be a very wise move on the part of the Reds front office.