**Reds Could Pull Off Huge Steal by Signing All-Star OF at Bargain Price**
As Major League Baseball enters the heart of its offseason, teams around the league are looking to make strategic moves that can improve their rosters for the upcoming season. For the Cincinnati Reds, a franchise with a promising but young core, the opportunity to add a proven veteran could be the key to pushing them into serious postseason contention. With that in mind, one of the most intriguing possibilities is for the Reds to pull off a “bargain deal” by signing an All-Star caliber outfielder, potentially at a lower-than-expected price. The player in question may not be the most high-profile name on the free-agent market, but if the Reds can land him, he could be a huge steal that significantly strengthens their roster.
### The Reds’ Situation: A Promising Core in Need of Veteran Leadership
In 2023, the Cincinnati Reds showed that they are on the rise. With a roster loaded with exciting young talent—players like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Jonathan India—the team exceeded many expectations by finishing with an 82-80 record. The Reds finished just outside the playoff picture in the National League, and while there were plenty of bright spots, the season also highlighted areas where the team could use improvement.
For the Reds to take the next step, they need to surround their young stars with seasoned players who can provide leadership, consistency, and experience, particularly in the pressure-packed moments of a postseason race. With that in mind, an experienced outfielder—one who can hit for power, play strong defense, and bring leadership to the clubhouse—could be exactly what the Reds need to complement their youthful roster.
The outfield has been an area of uncertainty for the Reds in recent years. Though the team has solid potential with players like TJ Friedl and Will Benson, adding a bona fide All-Star caliber player to the mix would give them a much-needed upgrade. And with the free-agent market offering a few intriguing possibilities, the Reds may be able to snag a quality outfielder at a bargain price.
### The All-Star Outfielder Who Could Be a Steal
There are several outfielders in the free-agent pool who have had All-Star seasons in the past but may be available for less than their past production might suggest. Here are a few who could fit the bill for the Reds:
#### **Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs)**
One of the more compelling options on the free-agent market is **Cody Bellinger**, the former National League MVP and two-time Gold Glove winner. After a challenging few years in Los Angeles, where Bellinger’s production dipped significantly, he enjoyed a major bounce-back season with the Chicago Cubs in 2023. In his first season with the Cubs, Bellinger posted a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an OPS of .881, showing that he’s still capable of being one of the league’s premier players. Defensively, Bellinger remains one of the top center fielders in the game, with his Gold Glove pedigree still intact.
However, despite his impressive performance in 2023, Bellinger’s market value might not reflect his full potential. Teams are cautious when investing in a player coming off a couple of down years, even if he showed signs of a resurgence. Bellinger could sign a contract below what his true talent is worth, especially with several teams focusing their attention on other top-tier free agents.
For the Reds, this could be an opportunity to sign a former MVP and a proven postseason performer (Bellinger played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series title). His combination of power, speed, and defense would give the Reds an immediate upgrade in center field or as a corner outfielder, depending on where they feel he fits best alongside Friedl and Benson.
#### **Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)**
While it may seem like a long shot, **Mike Trout**, one of the best players of his generation, could also be an intriguing option for the Reds—especially if the Los Angeles Angels decide to part with him as they continue to reevaluate their roster. Trout, a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, has dealt with injuries in recent years, which have limited his games played. Still, when healthy, he remains one of the top offensive players in the game, with the ability to hit for power, get on base, and provide elite defense in center field.
If the Angels decide to enter a rebuild mode and look to move Trout, the Reds could swoop in with an offer that balances both present and future. A trade involving Trout would be expensive in terms of prospects, but if the Reds can acquire him at a discount relative to his value (due to injury concerns and a potential change in scenery), it would be a franchise-altering move. The combination of Trout’s leadership and his still-elite skill set would elevate the Reds to an entirely new level.
#### **Kevin Kiermaier (Toronto Blue Jays)**
Another outfielder who could be a “bargain” signing is **Kevin Kiermaier**, a standout defensive center fielder and former Gold Glove winner. While Kiermaier’s bat is not as flashy as others, his defense in center field remains among the best in the league, and he has shown that he can be a productive hitter in the right environment. A veteran of several postseason appearances with the Tampa Bay Rays, Kiermaier could provide the Reds with not only elite defense but also a veteran presence that can help guide the team through the ups and downs of a playoff race.
Kiermaier’s market value could be lower than expected due to his age (34) and offensive limitations, making him an affordable option for a team like the Reds that values defense and leadership. If the Reds could sign him to a one-year deal or a short-term contract, it would be a low-risk, high-reward move to solidify their outfield defense while allowing them to focus on other needs.
### Why the Reds Could Pull This Off
The key to landing an All-Star outfielder at a bargain price is timing and market conditions. For the Reds, they are in an advantageous position. While many teams will be focused on signing top-tier free agents like Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto, or high-profile shortstops, the Reds could swoop in and snag a player like Bellinger or Kiermaier on a contract that is less financially demanding.
Additionally, the Reds have financial flexibility. While they are not a big-market team with limitless resources, they have room to add a significant player without breaking the bank. The Reds have a solid farm system and a young, controllable roster, meaning they won’t need to spend excessively to remain competitive.
Moreover, by signing an outfielder at a bargain price, the Reds would be in a position to allocate resources to other areas, such as pitching or bullpen depth, which could make them even more dangerous in 2024.
### A Game-Changer for the Reds
If the Reds can land an All-Star outfielder at a discounted price, it would be a transformative move for the franchise. Adding a player with both experience and All-Star caliber production would balance out the youth on their roster, especially in the outfield, where they have the potential but also need more consistency. With the Reds’ strong 2023 finish and the promise of a bright future, this move could be the final piece of the puzzle to push them into the playoff conversation and beyond.
In short, the Reds have an opportunity to steal an All-Star outfielder at a bargain price—a move that could elevate their roster, provide veteran leadership, and ultimately bring them closer to their postseason goals. If they play their cards right, 2024 could be the year the Reds take a major step forward in their quest for a title.
