RN Take · Opinion · Original
Tyler Stephenson Heads to Free Agency, and the Reds Catching Plan Just Got Real
Reds fans, the offseason officially has teeth now. Cincinnati's catcher is officially on the open market, and he isn't going alone.
Our Take: This is the decision of the winter. Stephenson has been a fixture behind the plate, and replacing a catcher is never simple. The Reds can bring him back, but now they have to compete with 29 other teams to do it.
According to the Reds' official transactions log on MLB.com, catcher Tyler Stephenson, right-hander Brady Singer and left-hander Brock Burke all elected free agency on Oct. 29. The same log shows the Reds activated right-hander Hunter Greene and center fielder Blake Dunn from the 60-day injured list that day, which is routine housekeeping once the season ends.
The MLB Players Association's release on the 144 players who became free agents lists four Reds in total: Burke, Brandon Leibrandt, Singer and Stephenson. That's two arms and a catcher to account for, so this is more than one hole to think about.
What to watch: whether the front office moves quickly to re-sign Stephenson or turns to the trade or free-agent market for a catcher. Also keep an eye on the pitching staff. With Greene back on the active roster, how the Reds replace Singer and Burke will tell you how aggressive they plan to be this winter.