Cincinnati Reds: Sean Marshall Extension Provides Options for Club's Future

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds locked up left handed set-up man Sean Marshall to a three year, $16.5 million contract.

Marshall was originally acquired via trade earlier in the offseason by shipping starting pitcher Travis Wood, infielder Ronald Torreyes and outfielder Dave Sappelt to the Chicago Cubs.

The trade was a bit lopsided, considering Marshall was only under contract with the Reds for one season. The extension signed Monday makes the trade a great move and shows the Reds have a plan long-term for Marshall.

Marshall will find a home as the primary set-up man for the Reds in 2012. He appeared in 78 games last season with the Cubs, going 6-6 with a .26 ERA. His set-up responsibilities will go uncontested, with the Reds planning on converting Aroldis Chapman into a starter.

However, beyond 2012 is where things get interesting with Marshall. There’s a very intriguing part of Marshall’s new deal—his contract states that he makes an extra $1 million per year if he acts as the club’s closer.

Now, Ryan Madson was also signed this offseason, to act as the Reds closer. If he has a great year, he could potentially seek more money than the Reds are willing to give him. That means in 2013 and beyond Marshall could step into the closing role for the Reds.

The closing bonus in Marshall’s contract is not only very clever on the part of his agents, but a smart move for the Reds to agree to as well. General Manager Walt Jocketty had this to say about Marshall’s extension:

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“You look at the quality of his work. He’s one of the top setup guys in the game. And we’ll have flexibility with him in the future if we want to use him as a closer. That will be determined as we go down the road.”

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Marshall himself seems to be looking forward to playing for at least four years in a Reds’ uniform:

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“I’m super excited,” Marshall said. “Since day one when I came to the new facility here and got to meet my Reds teammates and staff, and got to be back with the Dusty and the coaches I was with, they were all very welcoming. I’ve been very excited so far in spring training. The Reds have taken extremely good care of myself and I see they take care of all of their players. I’m excited to spend the next four years in a Reds uniform and hopefully help guide them to a championship.”

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The last portion has to stand out to Reds fans. Marshall is arguably the best at what he does, and his addition to the club makes the Reds not only contenders this year, but contenders for years.

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