After Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Dodgers, the Cincinnati Reds are left considering other free agent outfielders to strengthen their roster. Here are three options they should explore:
- Randal Grichuk
Grichuk, a 33-year-old right-handed hitter, had an impressive 2024 season with the Diamondbacks, playing 106 games and posting a .291/.348/.528 slash line with 34 extra-base hits and a wRC+ of 139. He excelled against both left- and right-handed pitchers, recording a .913 OPS against lefties and an .801 OPS against righties. However, Grichuk’s age and poor defensive metrics (with -3, -6, and -4 outs above average in the past three seasons) may be concerns for the Reds. - Anthony Santander
Santander, a 30-year-old right-handed hitter, also enjoyed a strong 2024 season, slashing .235/.308/.506 with 71 extra-base hits and a wRC+ of 129. His OPS was solid against both left- and right-handed pitching, sitting at .822 and .793, respectively. While he offers offensive consistency, Santander’s defense has been a weakness, with negative outs above average in the past four seasons (-3, -2, -6, and -7). Additionally, his price tag could be out of the Reds’ range. - Jurickson Profar
Profar had the best season of his career in 2024, posting a .280/.380/.459 line with a wRC+ of 139. As a switch hitter, he excelled from both sides of the plate, with an OPS of .823 batting right-handed and .885 as a left-handed hitter. He hit 24 home runs, 16 from the right side and 8 from the left. Despite his offensive performance, Profar’s inconsistency over his career and poor defensive metrics (with -7 outs above average in 2024, ranking 29th among left fielders) raise red flags.
Each of these players presents different strengths and weaknesses, but any of them could help the Reds solidify their outfield for the upcoming season.
