Royals: Making the case for free agency, Reds edition

Ahead of Kansas City Royals free agency, let’s take a look at the Cincinnati Reds’ upcoming free agents and decide whether the team should pursue any.

Welcome to the continuation of our “Kansas City Royals: Making the case” series for free agency. After losing over 90 games for four consecutive seasons, the Cincinnati Reds improved to 75-87 under first-year manager David Bell. As the organization looks to climb closer to .500, it’ll have some tough decisions to make in regards to free agency.

Speaking of free agency, Spotrac lists eight Reds who have the potential to hit the open market this winter. Are any of them worth pursuing? Let’s find out.

Alex Wood, P

A one-time All-Star, Wood was limited to just 35.2 innings in 2019 due to a nagging back injury. In seven starts, the 28-year-old posted an ERA of 5.80. Overall, it was a lost season for Wood. In the three seasons prior, though, he posted an ERA+ of over 100. Wood will be 29 years old by the time next season rolls around, which is young enough for Dayton Moore to make him a Royal. A solid left-handed arm, Wood would make a welcomed addition to the starting rotation.

Verdict: Pursue

Freddy Galvis, SS/2B

Galvis is capable of starting at either shortstop or second base. He’ll turn 30 in November. Luckily for the Royals, they don’t need a starter at either position. Cincinnati also has a $5.5 million option for Galvis’ 2020 season, which would be a solid deal. He may not even hit the free agent market.

Verdict: Pass

Jose Iglesias, SS

Iglesias is quite familiar with the Kansas City Royals, as he was a member of the Detroit Tigers from 2013 until the end of the 2018 season. He had one of his best seasons as a pro last year with Cincinnati but because he’s a shortstop, the Royals don’t need to think very long about signing him.

Verdict: Pass

Juan Graterol, C

A lifetime backup catcher, Graterol has a career batting average of .218. Kansas City can get that type of production in-house.

Verdict: Pass

Justin Grimm, P

At the Triple-A level with two organizations a season ago, Grimm’s ERA of 5.23 was less-than-inspiring. His 13.50 ERA with the Royals in limited action less than two years ago leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many. Signing Grimm would be a huge risk for not a lot of reward.

Verdict: Pass

Tim Collins, P

Collins pitched in Kansas City for four seasons, spent three years working to get back to MLB action and then underwhelmed a bit in 22.2 innings with the Washington Nationals in 2018. His 2019 was also tumultuous, as he elected for free agency rather than an outright assignment from the Chicago Cubs and then signed a minor league contract with Cincinnati. He doesn’t have much upside but at 30 years old, perhaps a reunion with the Royals would do the lefty reliever some good.

Verdict: Potentially

Robbie Ross, P

Ross’ last major league action was in 2017. He hasn’t been good in the minors since then. Both his unstable track record from the past and recent struggles are red flags.

Verdict: Pass

Brad Boxberger, P

That ship has sailed. Nope.

Verdict: Pass