The 2014 season was a rough one for the Cincinnati Reds. In a way it was kind of expected. It was Brian Price's first year as a manager. Things that could have gone wrong did go that direction. One of the biggest issues were the injuries. The Reds didn't do so well because Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips were both out for a while. Joey Votto is arguably there best offensive weapon when he's hurt the team doesn't produce. The Reds lost Homer Bailey for a few months and Matt Latos. Offensively, the team really didn't do much either. They did have some bright spots Billy Hamilton, Alfredo Simon and Johnny Cueto. Both Simon and Curto were fantastic. Simon was so good that he remained the starter through the entire season.
Guaranteed Contracts: According to MLB Trade Rumors
Joey Votto, 1B: $213MM through 2023
Homer Bailey, SP: $96MM through 2019
Brandon Phillips, 2B: $39MM through 2017
Jay Bruce, OF: $25.5MM through 2016
Raisel Iglesias, P: ~$20MM through 2020*
Sean Marshall, RP: $6.5MM through 2015
Manny Parra, RP: $3.5MM through 2015
Skip Schumaker, UT: $3MM through 2015
Sam LeCure, RP: $1.85MM through 2015
Brayan Pena, C: $1.4MM through 2015
Options: According to MLB Trade Rumors
Johnny Cueto, P: $10MM club option ($800K buyout)
Ryan Ludwick, OF: $9MM mutual option ($4.5MM buyout)
Jack Hannahan, 3B: $4MM club option ($2MM buyout) Johnny Cueto was the only one to have the option picked up. Both Hannahan and Ludwick had a buyout.
Arbitration players via MLB Trade Rumors projections via Matt Swartz
Alfredo Simon, SP (5.142): $5.1MM projected salary
Mat Latos, SP (5.079): $8.4MM
Mike Leake, SP (5.000): $9.5MM
Chris Heisey, OF (4.157): $2.2MM
Logan Ondrusek, RP (4.125): $2.3MM
Aroldis Chapman, RP (4.034): $8.3MM
Zack Cozart, SS (3.084): $2.3MM
Todd Frazier, 3B (3.071): $4.6MM
Devin Mesoraco, C (3.028): $2.8MM
Non-tender candidates: Ondrusek
Costless Agent: According to MLB Trade Rumors
Ramon Santiago
One thing the Cincinnati Reds have to do to improve in 2015 is to clear some cap space. There going to have to trade either Johnny Cueto or Mat Latos or the possibility of Brandon Phillips. By making a big trade they could get some prospects. By saving that money they need to boost the offensive production. There's talk with different teams about Cueto. That's what the biggest team need is. Another team need is an outfielder. With Ryan Ludwick gone they need someone to play LF. They could possibly acquire a guy like Matt Joyce. Matt Joyce is an average hitter that can play all defensive outfield positions. He wouldn't cost that much and is a great bat.
The Reds are heading in the right direction. Despite, taking a leap backwards they can and will go in the right direction. The National League Central just got tougher. If the Reds can stay healthy they have a chance at making the postseason. Coming into Brian Price's second season he'll have more experiences at managing. Also, in the spring Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and Sean Marshall will be back and healthy. Also, hopefully the Reds will have Skip Schumacher for a full season. He became a valuable asset to the team in 2014. They've got some good minor league players that can come up and fill in some spots.