Pick three free agents for Reds’ 2021 team

[Rojo Rijo]

Hard to say given a number of variables but I'll go with James McCann, Didi Gregorius, and Greg Holland.

Didn't have time to think of a pen arm but Didi and McCann were my immediate thoughts in terms of lineup upgrades.

[Crumbley]

A suggestion is not an obsession.

Puig as a back-up player is cost effective. Righty bat meets a need and can platoon with Shogo. Plays defense too.

If you want, I hear Phil Ervin is available at the right price.

I don't like the idea of "star" backups. Puig is going to want to play.

[WrongVerb]

LHP Robbie Ray
LHP Aaron Loup
OF George Springer

I'm changing two of my selections:

LHP Robbie Ray - One of the top starters on the market
LHP Brad Hand - The top lefty reliever on the market
SS Andrelton Simmons - A two year deal so he can help usher in the Jose Israel Garcia era in Cincinnati

[Kc61]

Brad Hand cleared waivers as per Heyman tweet.

Led AL in saves. Nominee for AL reliever of the year.

Nobody would take his $10 million contract off waiver wire.

These teams ain’t spending.

[Kc61]

Neither Gregorius, Simmons, or Semien received a qualifying offer.

That avoids draft pick compensation. But it also might cause more teams to bid for them.

Unless Reds go for the Korean player in FA, I’d expect Reds to get one of these three shortstops.

[Alpha Zero]

I’d love to re-sign Bauer, but that’s probably out of reach.

One of Semien, Gregorius, and Kim for SS is a must.

I wouldn’t mind a high-upside, cheap SP project for Derek Johnson to fill out the fifth spot in the rotation. Robbie Ray or Chris Archer might fit the bill.

After that, I’d look for a bench upgrade. As far as I’m concerned, only Goodwin and Farmer are locks for the 2021 bench at the moment.

I think the Reds aren’t going to do much with the bullpen. They made their 2021 upgrade at the 2020 deadline with Archie Bradley.

[RedsManRick]

Outside of Didi, Semien, or Simmons, none of which I consider likely, I don't think we sign any notable FA.

If I'm making the decisions, I'd take whichever of those 3 takes the least total money. Simmons would be my preference, but either way, a long-term deal to a SS on the wrong side of 30 isn't the kind of bet I want to make.

If I actually had the payroll to do it, my dream combo of moves would involve signing Springer and then trading for and extending Lindor with package built around Senzel and Garcia. Practically speaking, I don't think there's nearly enough payroll space for that, especially given the pandemic, and the prospect cost is likely going to require Lodolo or Greene, which I would not want to do.

[Kc61]

I’m guessing the Reds will sign one of the shortstops, probably the least expensive one. Probably Simmons.

But an equally big issue is the Bauer spot. If they simply let him go, the rotation is likely Gray, Castillo, Mahle, Miley, and Lorenzen.

Not sure whether people think that’s sufficient. I think it’s iffy, could go well, could go bad.

I’d feel better with a pickup like Paxton on a one-year pillow contract. But then, Reds aren’t necessarily trying to make me feel better.

[Bourgeois Zee]

If they simply let him go, the rotation is likely Gray, Castillo, Mahle, Miley, and Lorenzen.

I'd guess they'd dumpster dive for a cheap alternative. With Johnson's reputation, there will be no shortage of interest.

Too, TeJay Antone was very, very good in 2020. He should be given a shot at that last starter's berth. So might Lodolo and Greene.

I'd be fine with trying out the possibilities first, then acquiring a big-time guy near the All-Star break. That, IMO, negates some risk (and often prospect cost).