I said on another thread that I hope the Reds are now done trading core players. Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson are not only the “core” of this team at this point but, unlike our trio of rookie pitchers, will be heading into their third and final non-arb seasons next year.
The Reds have obviously shed a ton of payroll, and have virtually nothing on the books beyond next year when Votto and Moustakas roll off.
While both India and Stephenson have struggled to stay healthy in their sophomore seasons, they have shown that their breakout rookie performances were real. They both play up-the-middle premium positions (although a future move to a corner spot for either hasn’t been ruled out) and they’ve both shown themselves to be high character guys at least so far.
So how about, both as a smart baseball move but also a goodwill olive branch to fans, trying to lock those two up for the long haul? Now would be a good time to do it in order to offer them financial security for life while their arb years are still hanging out there. We could offer, what, 7 year $100M deals, plus or minus, to both of them to see if they bite? Would that be too much or too little? I’m thinking (ironically) conceptually something similar to a 2022 equivalent of the Suarez extension. Except maybe think outside the box and actually front load them for 2023 when we’re not spending a lot and not trying to contend so it opens up some payflex for the 24-27 window that is clearly being targeted now. With Votto sailing off into the sunset, give fans some piece of mind in knowing a jersey they can buy their kids without worrying they’ll be playing for the Mariners or Twins in a year or two. And I only say that because they’re potentially smart baseball moves too. Thoughts?