Story by
1 Christmas Gift Reds Should Give Their Fans
- Story by
- 1 Christmas Gift Reds Should Give Their Fans
The Cincinnati Reds ' left field situation is up in the air, so they should acquire a new player at that position as a Christmas gift to their fanbase. Unfortunately for the Reds, former NL MVP Cody Bellinger is considered "a long shot to land in Cincinnati ," per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
"Corner outfielders on the free-agent market include Cody Bellinger and Ryan O'Hearn, although O'Hearn played more at first base last season. A former National League MVP, Bellinger would seem more of a long shot to land in Cincinnati," he wrote. "Trade Deadline acquisition Miguel Andujar , who finished the season with the Reds while burnishing his reputation for beating up left-handed pitchers, also remains on the market."
Advertisement
"The spot could also be filled by an internal option," he continued.
O'Hearn has since signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates , per MLB.com.
Another high-profile free agent at the position is Kyle Tucker , but he'll be expensive. The 28-year-old has a market value of 10 years, $401.7 million ($40.2 million average annual salary). Plus, teams like the Toronto Blue Jays are interested and have extra incentive to pursue him, via FanSided's Brandon Glick..
"This conversation will really become timely if the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker, who would immediately displace [Anthony] Santander in right field," Glick wrote. "With George Springer taking up all of the at-bats at DH and Daulton Varsho locked into the starting spot in center field, Tucker's presence would effectively mean that there's one open spot for all of the aforementioned players."
Advertisement
However, there's a more attainable option on the open market who is also a familiar face.
Reds Must Pursue Jesse Winker
Free-agent outfielder Jesse Winker. © Tim Vizer-Imagn Images
Jesse Winker could be a cost-effective and reliable player to add to the outfield group. The veteran slashed just .226/.309/.400 with one homer and 10 RBI over 26 games for the New York Mets last season, but had a .764 OPS across 145 games in 2024 and an .800-plus OPS each year from 2017-2021 with the Reds. Additionally, he has just a one-year, $5.4 million market value, per Spotrac.
Cincinnati drafted Winker No. 49 overall in 2012, and he made his big-league debut in 2017. The club then traded him along with Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners in March 2022, who then traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers that December. He then signed with the Washington Nationals in February 2024, who traded him to the Mets that July.
Winker could slot in Cincinnati's left field spot next to TJ Friedl in center and Noelvi Marte in right.
