Reds could find a bargain in former Royals' top prospect with well-rounded game

Chasing marquee names and making a splashy trades isn't as glamorous as rifling through the list of bargain-bin free agents, but for a team like the Cincinnati Reds, it's an essential part of roster construction.

Just look at how the Reds' acquisitions played out in 2026; their star free agent signing (Eugenio Suárez) put up some of the worst numbers of his career, while under-the-radar pickups like JJ Bleday and Nathaniel Lowe emerged as two of the team's most reliable hitters.

That's not to say that the Reds shouldn't at least try to go after some of the big fish on the market — Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart could certainly use the help. But when evaluating an offseason plan, even one that accounts for the looming lockout, it's important not to lose sight of the role players who can keep a team afloat when injuries or fatigue set in.

As such, it might not be a bad idea for the Reds to take a long look at former top prospect Drew Waters. The 27-year-old outfielder didn't play in the majors last season, and hasn't received a lot of run since breaking out for the Kansas City Royals in 2022.

But Waters is a solid defender, a strong baserunner, and a switch-hitter with enticing platoon splits. He certainly fits the mold of the all-around player the Reds should be seeking this winter.

Former Royals prospect Drew Waters would be a low-risk free agent signing for the Reds

Waters elected free agency earlier this month and is eligible to sign with another organization whenever he finds the right fit. Some fans might question why the Reds should bother with yet another below-league average player (84 wRC+) given how poorly the lineup performed this past season. But Waters made improvements in Triple-A, hitting .327/.380/.509 against left-handed pitching.

Perhaps that doesn't sound too impressive considering Dane Myers is already on the roster, but if Waters can balance out his splits as a switch-hitter, he could be a useful reserve outfielder regardless of the pitching matchup.

Waters is also a threat on the bases (21 stolen bases in Triple-A this year) and has graded out strongly at all three outfield positions throughout his career — though he's best suited for the corners.

Waters isn't going to raise the proverbial ceiling, but he could absolutely help to stabilize the floor as a fourth or fifth outfielder on the roster. Waters is the kind of player the Reds should be trying to add (on a minor-league deal, of course) in order to increase the amount of quality depth heading into 2027.

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