Last season is in the books and it’s time for the Reds to do more than just make the playoffs—it’s time for them to move past the first round of playoffs.
Cincinnati Reds catchers and pitchers reported to Goodyear, Arizona today for their first day of spring training. The rest of the squad will arrive later in the week. Except for Homer Bailey, last year’s team is intact. Bronson Arroyo, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Aroldis Chapman will return for another season.
The Reds made some strides by signing pitcher Mat Latos to a 2-year deal worth $11.5 million. Latos won 14 games and finished with a 3.48 ERA. Based on a statement from the Reds earlier today, former Reds third baseman Scott Rolen won’t be back. Most likely he will either retire or try to catch on elsewhere. His days as a starter may have ended, but he may still find a team to offer him a position where he can mentor a young third baseman.
The only key player the Reds haven’t signed is Homer Bailey. The Reds would like to get a deal completed and avoid arbitration. It’s possible that Bailey is seeking a long-term deal while the organization is only offering a short-term deal. Bailey won 13 games last year and pitched a no-hitter. The Reds need to find a way to get Bailey into the lineup, because the starting rotation will need his strong arm in the rotation.
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