The Missing Piece in Cincinnati's Puzzle
In a bold move, the Cincinnati Reds welcomed back the powerful slugger, Eugenio Suárez, last week, filling a crucial gap in their lineup. While his position is yet to be confirmed, Suárez's bat is a guaranteed asset, adding a much-needed boost to the team.
However, the Suárez addition, while significant, is not without its complexities. It impacts the playing time of several talented young players like Spencer Steer, Sal Stewart, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and JJ Bleday, highlighting the dynamic nature of the Reds' roster. With Elly De La Cruz being the only truly established player at one position, the team's flexibility is both a strength and a challenge.
The starting rotation is another area of intrigue. The potential impact of Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Julian Aguiar, if they all perform to their full potential, could be as significant as Suárez's offensive prowess. With a formidable starting lineup that includes Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer, the Reds have an enviable pitching core.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite having depth in pitching, the Reds still need more. Last year, they utilized every pitcher in their organization, including Nick Martinez, who threw an impressive 165.2 IP. They even traded for Zack Littell and relied on other young pitchers like Chase Petty and Carson Spiers. The point? You can never have enough pitching depth.
This brings us to the heart of the matter. Wade Miley, a veteran pitcher, signed with the Reds last year, offering depth and upside. He was a bargain-bin find, a potential game-changer, but one the Reds didn't need to rely heavily upon. This season, however, I don't see a similar move being made.
The Reds haven't signed any veteran from outside the organization who has the experience and potential to make a significant impact. It's not about needing them on Opening Day or immediately throwing 6 innings every fifth day. It's about having that extra depth, that insurance policy, especially with players like Williamson and Aguiar returning from surgeries.
One name that keeps popping up is Walker Buehler, a Lexington, Kentucky native. He's an All-Star, a World Series champion, and a two-time Top 10 finisher in Cy Young Award voting. Despite recent struggles and an elbow surgery, Buehler, at 31, remains a talented pitcher. He grew up a Reds fan and has a connection to Derek Johnson, the Reds' pitching coach.
While I don't know Buehler's camp's intentions or his asking price, his recent stats and decreased fastball velocity are concerns. However, he could be the perfect fit if the Reds need to rely on him due to injuries. He'd be a welcome addition, especially with Johnson's coaching, and could provide much-needed relief for the starting rotation.
As we near the end of the offseason, it's clear that some team will take a chance on a veteran like Buehler. The Reds, with their current roster and needs, seem like the perfect fit. It's a move that could pay dividends down the line.
