08-07-2022, 01:16 PM
(08-07-2022, 12:27 PM)Forever Spinning Vinyl Wrote: I see this as showcasing for a future trade. They picked up several SS while he was inches away from the bigs? If they're going to get someone to bite on a Moustakas deal, you're going to have to have something else to entice them.
I hope to hell not.
The idea of packaging crap contracts with decent prospects to get payroll down is a shit way to do business at this point. The goal is to accumulate as much young, controllable talent as possible. Barrero is both of those things.
The payroll is down plenty, and it's going to be Oakland A's level low after 2023. The Reds aren't going to turn around and spend Moose's money on improvements to the MLB roster. They aren't likely to contend for at least another year, maybe 2. The smart play is to wait and let the Votto/Moose deals expire organically, keep your young talent, then manage it as need demands once it proves out. If you give away Barrero to bail that contract, you're just making yourself pay even more for the mistake of signing Moustakas to begin with.
