Price, speaking Wednesday at the MLB winter meetings, said finding a fifth starter remains a key. Price said Anthony DeSclafani, Homer Bailey, Brandon Finnegan and Dan Straily are locked into the top four spots.
“I like our staff,” Price said. “If we stay intact … position players are going to go out there and feel comfortable every time those four take the field and are on the mound.”
Among the candidates for the fifth spot are left-handers Amir Garrett, 24, and Cody Reed, 23, and right-hander Robert Stephenson, 23. Garrett and Stephenson are former Dayton Dragons.
Reed was 0-7 with a 7.36 ERA in 10 starts with the Reds last year while Stephenson was 2-3, 6.08 in eight starts. Garrett was 7-8, 2.55 in 25 games, with 23 starts, split between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville.
“I think Amir Garrett has checked off everything on his list,” said Price, who met the media at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center. “Reed was better than the league at Triple-A (at 6-4, 3.08). However, I would love to see Reed and Stephenson just show up (to spring training) and look like major leaguers … to either start or pitch out of the bullpen. I am looking forward to the competition. I am looking for Amir showing confidence on the mound and getting more of an opportunity than he ever has before.”
Price said there are still questions about the bullpen. Lefty Tony Cingrani, 27, became the regular closer after the Reds traded Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees and Cingrani ended up with 17 saves. Michael Lorenzen was 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 35 games.
Is Garrett a bullpen candidate as well?
“I think there are other guys that fit that role better to pitch out of the bullpen,” Price said. “I think Amir should be in the rotation because he has earned it. That said, I don’t shy away from young prospects pitching out of the major-league bullpen to get their feet wet.”
There could be help on the way.
MLB.com reported Wednesday the Reds have expressed interest in Texas Rangers reliever Jeremy Jeffress, who was traded by Milwaukee to Texas last summer. Published reports this week show the Rangers interested in Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton. Jeffress was arrested in August for driving while intoxicated. He had 27 saves with the Brewers last year.
While other teams have shown interest in Reds infielders Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart and Hamilton, Price will have some decisions to make if Cincinnati does not deal any of those veterans.
Jose Peraza, 22, hit .324 in 241 at bats last year for the Reds after hitting .281 in Triple-A. For the Reds, he started 29 games at shortstop, 17 in the outfield and seven at second base.
“Jose is a major leaguer. He is not better served in my opinion playing every day in the minor leagues if I can get him in the lineup four times a week,” Price said. “He has got to play. It will be interesting to see where we are.”
Infielder Dilson Herrera, 22, hit .266 at Triple-A Louisville in 64 at-bats. He was acquired from the New York Mets in the trade for Jay Bruce.
Price does not see Herrera as a utility player.
“I don’t think that will help his progress at all,” said Price, who wants to see if Herrera needs more time at Triple-A.
Price admits the Reds “could be heavy” on middle infielders. “This is a picture that is painting itself,” he said.
Price also said he hopes catcher Devin Mesoraco will be healthy when spring training begins. He was limited to 50 at-bats last year due to injuries. “He will certainly be eased in,” Price said.
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