3 Potential Under-the-Radar Cincinnati Reds Free-Agent Targets

The Cincinnati Reds may be in pursuit of a few free agents this offseason, but which positions they'll address remains to be seen. There is the obvious gaping black hole that is left field, and there are notable names on the market like Nori Aoki, Nelson Cruz and Melky Cabrera—a few of which may be pipe dreams for Reds fans.

Then there's the matter of the bullpen, but when you consider the strong performances of guys like Jumbo Diaz and Pedro Villarreal to end the season last year and the signing of Raisel Iglesias, it's quite possible that the team has already addressed one of baseball's worst bullpens. Names like Tony Cingrani and Sean Marshall should also be considered as both are expected to be healthy by Opening Day.

Will the Reds need starting pitching? Certainly not if they stand pat, as the Reds finished with the No. 3 ERA in baseball last season. But if any speculation regarding the trading of starting pitching is true, then the Reds, in theory, could sign a free-agent starting pitcher. While this free agent wouldn't be the caliber of a Johnny Cueto or Mat Latos, he could be a suitable, affordable replacement for starting pitchers who won't be there at the end of the 2015 season.

With that said, here are a few potential under-the-radar free-agent targets for the Reds this offseason.

1. Russell Martin

Yes, the Reds do already have their next catcher. But if they cannot address left field via free agency, might they do it with Devin Mesoraco? The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay wrote the following last August:

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Mesoraco has only caught as a professional – but that could change in the spring. Mesoraco is athletic enough to play outfield and many catchers play some first base.

'If that's something I was asked to do, I'd absolutely do it,' he (Mesoraco) said. 'There's a few positions that I could play, probably first base, maybe left field, that would take more work. But I don't see any harm in doing it. Spring training as long as it is, there's plenty of time for it. I'd be more than willing.'

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There has been no further indication that the Reds will move the young slugger. But it makes sense.

First, consider the left field options. Nelson Cruz and Melky Cabrera are both coming off really strong performances in 2014. Both will command a sizable amount. Charlie Wilmoth of MLBTradeRumors.com wrote the following:

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Cabrera’s representatives at the Legacy Agency should be able to swing at least a three-year deal. Last month, Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star polled various agents who suggested he could get anywhere from $36MM to $45MM over a three-year deal, meaning that the three-year, $39MM deal Shane Victorino received from the Red Sox before the 2013 season might be a precedent. A four-year deal might also be a possibility, with Cabrera’s camp possibly pointing to last offseason’s contracts for Curtis Granderson and Peralta.

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Cabrera slashed .301/.351/.458. Cruz slashed .271/.333/.525 and also had 40 home runs. So Nori Aoki becomes the only reasonable target for left field. But if the Reds can't secure his services, would it make sense to transition Mesoraco to left field and steal Martin from the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Martin slashed .290/.402/.430 last season, knocked 11 home runs and drove in 67 RBI. At 32 years old, the aging catcher may be affordable, to a degree. From MLBTradeRumors.com:

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...it’s likely that whoever signs Martin will be hoping to get good value at the start of the contract, with that value declining sharply as the contract progresses. It’s tough to find precedents for a Martin deal, since few catchers sign long free-agent deals, but he should be able to receive at least three years, and perhaps four, at north of $10MM per season. Barring an injury down the stretch, he’ll surely be in line for more than the three years and $26MM Carlos Ruiz received from the Phillies last year, but far less than the five years and $85MM McCann got.

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It would be incredibly bold to move Mesoraco to a position he's never played. But we've seen Ryan Ludwick and Johnny Gomes handle left field; surely Mesoraco could, too.

2. Ryan Vogelsong

This under-the-radar free-agent target is about one thing: risk mitigation. Vogelsong would only be a possible target if the Reds were to indeed trade one of their four starting pitchers who are set to hit free agency after the 2015 season. 

Should either Cueto or Latos be moved, could the Red create enough financial flexibility to secure the services of Vogelsong?

He finished the year at 8-14 with a 4.00 ERA. He's currently completing a one-year extension from the Giants that netted him $5 million. He's had a rough postseason thus far as well, giving up four earned runs in three innings to the Cardinals in the National League Championship Series.

But this isn't someone who would be signed to head the rotation; rather, his services would be used at the back of the rotation, as a No. 4 or No. 5. And because he's not performing at a high level right now, he could be had for a bargain this offseason.

The Reds cannot go into the season with questions surrounding the rotation, as their No. 3 starting ERA is the crux of their team and needs to be protected for the 2015 season. So if they do deal a pitcher, they need a proven commodity to replace him.

3. Asdrubal Cabrera 

If left field cannot be addressed, for whatever reason, the Reds could try to beef the offense elsewhere. Zack Cozart may arguably be the best defensive shortstop in the game, but his presence in the lineup is often deflating.

Cozart slashed a miserable .221/.268/.300. Cabrera, on the other hand, slashed .241/.307/.387. Edward Creech and Zach Links of MLBTradeRumors.com thinks Cabrera will be very affordable:

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Earlier today, MLBTR’s Zach Links predicted Nationals infielder Asdrubal Cabrera will land a three-year, $27MM contract in free agency. CSNWashington’s Mark Zuckerman posits Cabrera’s best days are possibly behind him, so the Nationals’ interest will be based on whether there are better options available either via free agency or on the trade market.

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Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

That definitely sounds like a contract the Reds could handle, and it may be the smartest deal if no starting pitchers are moved. Cabrera would give the Reds power at the shortstop position and be a formidable bat at the back of the lineup.

*Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.