Reds rumors link Cincy to familiar free agent who's drawing heavy attention elsewhere

The Cincinnati Reds are arguably one bat away from wrapping up a productive offseason, but to date, have made little in-roads. Cincinnati attempted to bring hometown slugger Kyle Schwarber back to southwest Ohio, but ultimately fell short in their pursuits.

Based on recent Reds rumors from New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, the team hasn't given up on a reunion with last year's trade deadline acquisition Miguel Andujar. According to Heyman, the Reds are one of several teams interested in signing the free agent slugger.

In addition to the Reds, Heyman listed the San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and even the team who traded him last summer, the Athletics, as potential landing spots for Andjuar.

Reds Rumors: Cincy has stiff competition for free agent slugger Miguel Andujar

Shortly after coming over from the A's, Andujar became a fixture in the Reds lineup — especially against left-handed pitching. A leg injury slowed his productivity and limited his availability down the stretch, but when Andujar was in the lineup, he was a tough out for opposing pitchers.

Between the Reds and A's, Andujar appeared in 94 games last season and hit .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, and a 125 wRC+. Against lefties, his slash line skyrocketed to .389/.409/.578 with a 171 wRC+.

While Andjuar provides the type of offense that this Reds team desperately needs, his defensive limitations lock him into an DH-only position. With the corner infield spots already rather crowded with the presence of Spencer Steer, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Sal Stewart — all right-handed hitters — one has to wonder if adding Andujar is the best use of team's limited resources.

Cincinnati recently freed up about $3 million after trading Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays, and most estimates now assume the Reds have a little less than $10 million left to spend this winter. Even after putting up solid numbers in 2025, most experts assume Andujar's number will come in under that.

With so many potential suitors, however, the Reds could be outbid rather quickly. A reunion is certainly possible, but Cincinnati may eventually choose to sit this one out. That said, at some point, the Reds must zero in on a bat help bolster their lineup. If it's not Andujar, then who?