Reds' insider surprisingly links Cincy to longtime NL Central rival

MLB Winter Meetings, Juan Soto’s mega-deal, Hall of Fame inductees… baseball seems to be back in business, and big-name trades and free-agent deals are surely on the horizon. If the Cincinnati Reds plan to make a big move this offseason, now could be the time. While most speculation has tied Cincy to various outfielders, one surprising name has started to pop up: Paul Goldschmidt. Reds' beat writer Mark Sheldon listed Goldschmidt as a potential fit for Cincinnati.

The Reds have become well acquainted with Goldschmidt during his six seasons with the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. Over the first four years, the first baseman was an absolute monster, contributing a .892 OPS and winning a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and MVP Award. The past two seasons have been less successful as his OPS dropped to .763. Still, Goldy could be a valuable short-term addition to the Reds.

The Reds could make waves by signing former MVP Paul Goldschmidt.

At 37 years old, Goldschmidt likely won’t be shopping for a long-term deal, and his price could be relatively low. Sportrac estimates his market value as $12 million, but Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) recently posited he could be had for $8 million. Considering the concern around Cincinnati’s payroll flexibility, Goldschmidt seems to be a steal.

Of course, his down year in 2024 could make some teams shy away, but even in his weakest season, Goldschmidt ranked in the top quarter of the league in expected slugging, exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and barrels. In short, he’s still quick with the bat, and he packs a lot of power. In Great American Ball Park’s hitter-friendly atmosphere, those attributes will play. Goldschmidt’s most significant regression has been his walk rate, which largely accounts for his drop in OPS. This could be rectified with tweaks to his approach at the plate.

Goldy would also provide two qualities that have been lacking in Cincy: durability and leadership. In 2024, just three Reds players eclipsed the 145-game mark. Goldschmidt has only failed to play 145 games just three times in his 14-year career: his rookie season, the 2014 season when he fractured his hand on a hit-by-pitch, and the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Showing up every day also reflects Goldschmidt’s leadership style. He’s quiet, consistent, and level-headed, qualities that fit Reds manager Terry Francona’s approach. Like Joey Votto, he could step into a mentorship role for young first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand while providing a solid bat at either first or DH.

After a year of injuries, suspensions, and roller-coaster results, the Reds need stability. They need Paul Goldschmidt.

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