Reds should be ready to pounce if this outfielder tests free agency

The Cincinnati Reds were never quite able to solve their outfield dilemma in 2024. Prospects, trades, position changes — nothing seemed to help. Even with the return of oft-injured center fielder TJ Friedl, the outfield remains a source of anxiety in Cincinnati; despite the thin market this winter, the Reds could nab some relief at a low price in the form of Randal Grichuk.

Grichuk has been a go-to fourth outfielder for the past few seasons and is coming off a strong campaign platooning with the D-backs. His team-friendly deal has a mutual option for 2025 which would guarantee him $6 million. Grichuk, though, is likely worth more than that and could test the market. If he does, the Reds should be ready to bite.

Randal Grichuk could be the missing link in the Reds’ outfield plan for 2025

At the very least, Grichuk could serve as a utility outfielder, giving the everyday players a rest on a rotational basis and perhaps helping to prevent the injuries that seem to hound this group. He has experience at all three outfield positions. Grichuk has been a so-so defender, particularly when he patrolled the cavernous outfield of Coors Field, but with Arizona last year, he contributed 6 defensive runs saved (DRS).

Grichuk’s greatest asset, though, is his bat. The Reds’ injuries severely limited the late-inning options available for then-manager David Bell, and the few bench bats at his disposal were terrible, amassing a .165/.254/.248 line in pinch-hit appearances. Grichuk, meanwhile, excels when coming in cold. He has a .307/.392/.491 career line as a pinch-hitter.

Grichuk can also serve as a platoon option for the Reds’ lefties, such as right fielder Jake Fraley. Put simply, Grichuk mashes lefty pitching and boasts a .509 slugging percentage against southpaws over his career. In Arizona, he and Joc Pederson served in this platoon capacity and contributed more than 100 RBIs.

Beyond the obvious stars — Juan Soto, Cody Bellinger, Anthony Santander — the outfield market is pretty slim this offseason. That will likely drive Grichuk’s price up a bit, but there’s a significant increase in talent between him and Santander, who is looking for an annual salary in the low $20 million range. If Grichuk walks, he’s leaving $6 million on the table. The Reds should be able to pick up a tab a bit higher than that, especially if they can dump Jeimer Candelario’s salary or if they get snubbed by Nick Martinez.

Signing Grichuk isn’t a flashy move. It’s not a blockbuster. But it could be just about the smartest thing the Reds could do this winter.

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