Five Free Agent Outfielders Cincinnati Reds Could Target in Free Agency

The Reds could use an outfield power bat.
Sep 25, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) follows through on an RBI double against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) follows through on an RBI double against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Reds struggled offensively in 2024. Their lack of power in the outfield was a major issue. A quartet of Will Benson, Jake Fraley, Spencer Steer, and TJ Friedl combined for just 52 home runs.

Steer had 92 RBI, but no other outfielder had more than 55.

In order for the Reds to be successful in 2025, they should go after one of the following free agent outfielders:

1. Teoscar Hernandez

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrates after hitting a two-RBI double during the fifth inning
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrates after hitting a two-RBI double during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Hernandez is coming off a World Series Championship after signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The right-hander slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 99 RBI. Hernandez has had an OPS+ above 100 in nine consecutive seasons and would give the Reds a right-handed power bat to plug in the middle of their lineup. The Dodgers did make him a Qualifying Offer.

2. Anthony Santander

Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander
Sep 25, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) follows through on an RBI double against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Santander is coming off of an All-Star season in 2024 with the Orioles. As a switch hitter, Santander would give the Reds flexibility and power from both sides of the plate. He slashed .235/.308/.506 with 44 home runs and 102 RBI. The Orioles also made him a Qualifying Offer. Santander, 30, is a couple years younger than Hernandez and would be an ideal fit.

3. Jurickson Profar

 Jurickson Profar
Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar (10) looks on before game five against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Once a big-time prospect, Profar finally broke out in 2024 and had the best season of his career with the Padres. Profar slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI. The 31-year-old switch hitter was productive from both sides of the plate. If the Reds think his 2024 season is sustainable, he may be worth signing. The Padres did not extend a Qualifying Offer to Profar.

4. Tyler O'Neil

Tyler O'Neill
Sep 23, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Tyler O'Neill (17) makes contact with the ball during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

After struggling in 2023 with the Cardinals, O'Neil had a big bounce-back season with the Red Sox, slashing .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs and 61 RBI. His 132 OPS+ was the second-best of his career and the best since his 2021 campaign. One thing that would make the Reds hesitant with O'Neil is his split. He had an OPS of 1.180 against left-handers and just .693 against right-handers. If the Reds were to sign him, they would most likely look to platoon him. The Red Sox declined to extend a Qualifying Offer to O'Neil.

5. Joc Pederson

Joc Pederson
Sep 4, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) hits a single during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images / Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Pederson is coming off the best offensive season of his career with the Diamondbacks at age 32. He played in 132 games, slashing .275/.393/.515 with 23 home runs and 64 RBI. The left-handed batting Pederson was the Designated hitter in 79 games this season while playing left field 32 times and right field 6 times. Much like O'Neil, Pederson would most likely be a platoon player with an OPS of .844 in his career against rights and an OPS of just .630 against lefties. Pederson declined his mutual option for $14 million with Arizona.

One commonality among all five players is their defensive struggles. While the Reds aim to improve in the field, taking this risk might be necessary to boost offensive production in the lineup.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

Cincinnati Reds Star Matt McLain is Healthy, to Play in Arizona Fall League

Report: Cincinnati Reds Rule Out Six Popular Managerial Candidates

Cincinnati Reds Expected to Target Two Candidates for Manager Job, Including Former Red

Cincinnati Reds Expected to “Aggressively Pursue” Trade for 3-Time All-Star This Offseason

Three Qualities the Next Cincinnati Reds Manager Must Have

Skip Schumaker Has Key Trait Cincinnati Reds Are Looking For in Next Manager

Nine Candidates to be Next Manager of the Cincinnati Reds Following David Bell Firing

Rhett Lowder Dazzles in Final Appearance of 2024, Wraps Up Impressive First Season

Marty Brennaman Weighs in on Reds Manager Search, Believes They Should Target World Series Champion Terry Francona

Cincinnati Reds Will Have to Compete With Multiple Teams to Land Skip Schumaker

Look: No. 2 Overall Pick Chase Burns in Cincinnati Reds Uniform for First Time

Watch: Nick Krall Discusses Reds’ Decision to Fire Manager David Bell

Look: Cincinnati Reds 2025 Spring Training Schedule Released

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram


Published