How Cowser Frees Up Other Avenues

Up and down this Reds lineup, make a list of team needs: catcher, rotation help, an infielder, an outfielder, and bullpen help. No, you’re not going crazy. I did just list essentially everything. Without a doubt, the Reds need help. Spending their way into filling those needs is not exactly in the Reds’ DNA or budget. I’m sure they’ll find a few free agents who could improve the team, but they’re going to have to find cheap options to plug some holes as well.

Cincinnati is not going to have a large chunk of money to spend on free agents, and I think what they do have should be used to bring back Tyler Stephenson, address the bullpen, and perhaps find a rotation arm. The free-agent market for center fielders includes Cedric Mullins, Trent Grisham, Daulton Varsho, and others who don’t move the needle or offer much upside. They’re fine players. I honestly wouldn’t mind Cedric Mullins if the price is right, but these aren’t exactly players I want the Reds to use a portion of their budget on.

If the Reds are able to get Colton Cowser, he would cost them roughly $3 million (his projected Arb-1 salary) while also coming with two more years of team control. Of course, that lines up with the same window as Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and other starters who are entering arbitration. I view 2027, 2028, and maybe 2029 as the last chance for the Reds to find success before we see major changes to the roster. Cowser fits that window.

The way I see it, this move is the easiest way for the Reds to address their need in center field while also balancing how they can address their other needs. Free-agent money goes toward pitchers and bringing back Stephenson, while trade assets go toward adding Cowser and perhaps another arm.

I cannot find an avenue where the Reds trade for a catcher. They simply aren’t out there. Trading for a starting pitcher would be welcomed, but starters with control are typically difficult to acquire. You could go out and get bullpen arms via trade, and maybe the Reds do, but based on the way we saw Cincinnati address the bullpen through free agency last year, I think they could do the same this season.

I also feel that the trade value Cowser carries matches what the Reds have available. Unfortunately, Cincinnati’s farm system is rather weak, and making a deal for a top prospect who hasn’t lived up to the hype is exactly the level of player Cincinnati will be able to acquire. Does Chase Petty have enough value to be part of a trade with other pieces added? I think that’s a deal that could make sense for both teams.

Final Thoughts

In order for the Reds to become competitive they’re going to have to get creative. If you dig through the names that are available in free agency and in the trade market, you’ll quickly realize it’s not as vast as you might think. Taking a risk on a player of Cowser’s talent is worth the roll of the dice.

Can the Reds help turn him around and unlock more potential? It’s a fair question that many fans will have and understandably so. Cincinnati does not have the strongest track record on reclamation projects, for lack of a better term. But that doesn’t mean they should stop trying. A lefty bat with some power potential who’s a great fielder in center with three years of control is something this team could desperately use.