The Cincinnati Reds finalized two minor-league deals this week, and free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger will return to the NL Central for at least one more season.
The Reds have signed former utility player Tony Kemp and first baseman Mike Ford to minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training. If the duo wants to break camp with the big league team, they will face heavy competition.
To the dismay of Reds fans, the Chicago Cubs will welcome back their All-Star outfielder from a year ago. Bellinger resigned in the wee hours of Sunday morning. However, that was hardly the deal the former MVP had hoped for following his comeback season in 2023.
Tony Kemp and Mike Ford know the deal: perform well enough during spring training, or you’ll be seeking for job again this spring. This is the truth when you sign a minor-league contract. The same is true for Cincinnati native Josh Harrison, who had a double in Saturday’s spring opener.
Kemp had a down year in 2023, but was successful against left-handed pitchers. The former Oakland Athletics utility player will reportedly earn $1.75 million if he makes the team out of spring training.
Ford hit 16 home runs while playing half of his games in the pitcher-friendly confines of T-Mobile Park. According to Baseball Savant, the 16 roundtrippers would have increased to 19 at Great American Ball Park. Ford’s defensive capabilities are limited, and he lacks speed on base paths. Ford’s contract is worth $1.3 million if he makes the roster.
Both Kemp and Ford have opt-out clauses in their minor-league contracts that allow them to re-enter free agency if they are not guaranteed a spot on the Reds’ Opening Day roster.
Cody Bellinger will return to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract, however it is not the massive payday he was expecting for. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the contract includes two opt-out clauses that allow Bellinger to leave the Windy City following the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
This contract is strikingly similar to the one Nick Castellanos signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020. After not getting what he wanted on the open market, Castellanos inked a four-year, $64 million contract with Cincinnati.
After a disappointing year in 2020, Castellanos elected not to activate his opt-out clause, but did leave the Queen City after an All-Star season in 2021. Castellanos then agreed to a five-year, $100 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Bellinger will want to follow suit.
