1st Annual Ex-Cardinal/Future Red Free Agent Power Rankings
With the end of the World Series it’s time for teams to set their 40 man rosters moving into 2016. We heard the list of cuts in Redsland, no real surprises, and other teams have now made their moves. MLB recently published its list of 2016 free agents, so if you’re someone holding out hope for the Reds to make a splash this is the place to start.
It’s somewhat of a fall/winter tradition for Walt Jocketty to go bargain bin shopping for free agent. If at any point in time they wore Cardinal-red then it’s even more likely that they’ll get a long look from Uncle Walt. Here’s an early take on the likelihood of which former Card will be upgrading to Reds-red.
Jason Heyward – Depending on how much you value pitching vs. hitting, Heyward is 1a or 1b (alongside David Price) on the overall free agent list. The Royals just proved, again, the value of players like Heyward who have solid offensive stats and excel at defense and on the bases. Heyward, though he seems like he’s been around forever, is just 26. He’s likely to command $150 million on the open market and the Cards have expressed interest in bringing him back. As good as he’d look patrolling the outfield at GABP, there’s no chance of this happening.
John Lackey – Fresh off another solid season, Lackey will command a pretty penny on the open market as well. Furthermore, he doesn’t fit the need of the current squad.
David Freese – The Cards made a shrewd move unloading him after 2011, despite his playoff heroics. They knew it was unsustainable and he never really caught fire in Los Angeles. 3B is locked down in Cincinnati, unless the Reds go full rebuild and unload Todd Frazier for a package of prospects. Even then, this signing doesn’t fit the mold of typical Jocketty moves.
Mark Reynolds – The Cards saw him as part of a platoon at 1B with lefty Matt Adams. Not the worst idea in the world. Until you realize that he is terrible and a poor man’s right handed Adam Dunn. Reds have seen enough of that style of baseball as Jay Bruce transitions into his own version of that player, but at least Bruce can still play defense.
These guys had their turn in Cincinnati and there should be no desire to bring them back.
Let Someone Else Overpay for Bullpen Arms
These guys all fit the same mold of veteran arms who will find the job in someone’s pen. The Reds have approximately 1,682,479 minor league pitchers who would be cheaper and just as effective. The Reds may bargain shop, but it shouldn’t be for bullpen arms.
Colby Rasmus – The irascible outfielder who reportedly fell out with Tony LaRussa as a young buck has yet to stick anywhere. He still has power, averaging over 20 homers the past four years, and can play all over the outfield. He fits the traditional mold since he was drafted by Jocketty while he was with the Cards in 2005. He’s just 29 and will likely command some money on the open market but won’t be breaking anyone’s bank. Still, he’ll probably be too pricey for the Reds but Jocketty will definitely be sniffing around.
Pete Kozma – Here is the prototype Jocketty pickup. Drafted by Jocketty? Check. Light hitting middle infielder? Check. Disappointing end to time in St. Louis? Check. Can he play backup shortstop? Check. Worse than everyone else on the roster? Check.
With the rumors about trying out Eugenio Suarez in left field and the release of Kris Negron, the utility infielder spot in Cincinnati is wide open. Kozma fits the build of past moves perfectly. Expect him to get a two-year, guaranteed major league contract, lots of spring training stories about the former first round pick turning his career around in his new digs, and a totally forgettable Reds career.
Welcome Pete Kozma to the Cincinnati Reds!
