Royals scheduled to honor the biggest free agent flop in Reds history

The Cincinnati Reds are not one to dabble in free agency. Cincy is good for (maybe) one big-name signing every half-decade. For the most part, the Reds have consistently been a franchise that drafts and develops their top talent and then uses free agency to subtly supplement the roster.

But during the 2019-20 offseason, the Reds went hog-wild. Cincinnati kicked off their spending spree by signing Mike Moustakas to a four-year, $64 million deal. The Reds also added Wade Miley, Pedro Strop, Shogo Akiyama, and Nick Castellanos. In all, the Redlegs dropped over $165 million ahead of the 2020 season.

The result was a mediocre 2020 season that was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. Cincinnati was one-and-done in the expanded playoff and didn't score a run. Neither Strop nor Akiyama had success with the Reds, Castellanos exercised his opt-out after an All-Star campaign in 2021, and Miley was cut loose shortly after second season in the Queen City.

KC Royals scheduled to honor the biggest free agent flop in Reds history

But Moustakas is arguably the worst signing in Reds history. Even Eric Milton is nodding his head in agreement. Moustakas was an absolute train wreck during his time in Cincinnati. Constantly harassed by the fanbase due to his perceived lack of work ethic, Moustakas never played more than 78 games during any of his three seasons in a Reds' uniform.

The Reds were so fed up with Moustakas following his 2022 campaign that he was sent packing despite the fact Cincinnati still owed him over $20 million. Moustakas' Reds career was over with a final slash line of .216/.300/.383, 21 home runs, and 74 RBI. Seriously?! Only 21 home runs? Even Jeimer Candelario (who's been mercilessly mocked by the Reds fanbase) smacked 20 homers in 2024 while battling a nagging injury.

But even mediocrity is being rewarded nowadays. The Kansas City Royals, a franchise that enjoyed the best Moustakas had to offer during their 2015 World Series run, will sign him to a one-day contract on May 31, 2025. This puerile gesture will allow Moustakas to retire as a Royal. Awe, isn't that nice?

Moustakas was a key piece of the Royals' World Series championship, but his contributions to the Reds were equal to that of Tyler Holt, Dilson Herrera, and Jack Hannahan. Few, if any, fans even remember that those players suited for the Reds, and the same fate awaits Moustakas.

The only difference between Moustakas and the aforementioned trio of has-beens is $64 million. Moustakas' production never came close to matching his salary, and while fans can wish him the best during his post-playing career, his time with the Reds will be remembered as nothing more than an abject failure.

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