Should the Reds bring Solano back?

[REDREAD]

This was talked about in the game thread, which is ghost town, so I'd thought I'd bring it up here.
Solano is down to a 733 OPS.
Yes, he's probably worn out from being a starter instead of a reserve and not being played in favorable matchups.
However, he cost about 5 million, on a team that could not justify 7 million for Winker..
The general consesus was that Winker had to go for salary reasons.
Yes, he's having a bad year in the canyon of a ballpark in Seattle, but he always hit well in the GAB and would have probably had a good year for us (no reason to really believe otherwise, Winker is healthy as far as I know.. someone correct me if I'm wrong)
But the point is, if the Reds can't afford 7 million for a starter that is a middle of the order bat, how can they justify 5 million for a bench bat like Solano (733 when played a lot)

I know the whole payflex thing is hypothetical, but I'd rather them spend 5 million on pitching.. either a starter or reliever. Hit the scrap heap (or the farm) and try to find a replacement for Solano

Poll coming.. This is "do YOU think the Reds should bring Solano back?", not what you think the Reds will do.

[mth123]

I voted no, because for all the stuff about him being a professional hitter, he has a 99 OPS+. But if they brought him back as a bench guy, it would be OK.

My first choice would be to aim higher, but I'd rather have Solano at $5 Million than Aquino or Senzel for the minimum.

[Tony Cloninger]

He’s great on a contender to come off the bench. Good professional hitter who is productive when not overused.

I will miss him.

[herbdizzle]

I'd keep either him or Farmer, not both. They'll both cost about the same. I'd keep him around if the Reds can trade Farmer for a good bullpen arm.

[HokieRed]

I don't think it will matter what we think. Hard to imagine him wanting to come back to the Reds. In any case, I wouldn't bring him back, primarily because of his age. I want to see the roster get younger. BTW, I think Winker was traded because he was perceived to be at maximum value and it was thus the right time to move him for a similar player--Fraley--with more years of control (and of course additional hoped-for value).

[Ron Madden]

I'd keep either him or Farmer, not both. They'll both cost about the same. I'd keep him around if the Reds can trade Farmer for a good bullpen arm.

Solano makes $4.5 M
I doubt Farmer will cost that much

[Kc61]

Reds will probably let Solano go and give Steer the RHH utility infielder/sometimes DH role. Reds have a number of non-shortstop infielders and, even with Solano’s good bat, I doubt they’ll ask him back.

I don’t see him as fungible with Kyle Farmer since Solano doesn’t have the defensive value or versatility of Kyle.

[OldFashionedRed]

Nope. He's 34. Fairchild almost has a better OPS. He ran out of gas after a good 2 1/4 months. He's a good hitter off the bench for a contending team.

[LeatherPants]

Solano makes $4.5 M
I doubt Farmer will cost that much

Farmer is making $3.1 this year and is arbitration eligible again next year. He’ll make more than that, probably $5-6 million.

[Redsfan6272]

I would bring Drury back before Solano

[Kinsm]

Solano makes $4.5 M
I doubt Farmer will cost that much

Kyle Farmer? Yeah, he should get about that amount this winter via arb.

[Ron Madden]

Kyle Farmer? Yeah, he should get about that amount this winter via arb.

Right now, I'd be hesitant to pay Farmer .697 OPS or Solano .722 OPS $5M

[Kinsm]

Right now, I'd be hesitant to pay Farmer .697 OPS or Solano .722 OPS $5M

The best starting shortstops are making 35M$ a year now, 5M$ is nothing for a guy who can play multiple positions. The Reds can certainly afford it given that would be the 3rd highest paid player next season (as of right now).

Keep in mind an average hitter this season, across the entirety of MLB, put up a .243-.312-.395 line.

[Falls City Beer]

This team has made it clear their intentions. What’s the point in an old player like Solano?

[Kc61]

The best starting shortstops are making 35M$ a year now, 5M$ is nothing for a guy who can play multiple positions. The Reds can certainly afford it given that would be the 3rd highest paid player next season (as of right now).

Keep in mind an average hitter this season, across the entirety of MLB, put up a .243-.312-.395 line.

Yes, and the Reds new shortstop, who took Farmer’s position, is hitting .158 with a .404 OPS. So until somebody else shows they can handle it, Reds might be wise to keep Farmer around.