The Cincinnati Reds were a popular dark horse to make a playoff run in the National League in 2019.
While David Bell's club came up short, the starting rotation completely defied all expectations, as both Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray became bona fide aces and Anthony DeSclafani had one of his best years yet.
Now, they are reportedly set to pursue one of the best two-way catchers in baseball.
According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Inquirer, the Reds are ramping up to make a “serious run” at former Dodgers and Brewers backstop Yasmani Grandal.
All signs point toward a serious run at catcher Yasmani Grandal, the organization’s first-round pick in the 2010 MLB Draft and the top catcher on the free agent market. Grandal was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2011 in the Mat Latos deal.
Grandal, a switch hitter, provides a lot of power (20-plus homers for the last four years) and he knows how to reach base (.380 on-base percentage last year, .348 in his career). He’s rated as one of the top pitch framers in the sport, though he notably had defensive struggles in the 2018 playoffs with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although Nightengale mentions Grandal's lapses during the 2018 NLCS, he has repeatedly been one of the best defensive catchers and game-callers in baseball. Grandal would also provide his young pitching staff with a tremendous weapon behind the dish.
Catchers could be at a premium this offseason. Grandal bet on himself with a one-year deal last winter, but is almost guaranteed to receive a multi-year contract. Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras could be made available via trade.
It could be another wild winter in the NL Central.
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