Reds avoid arbitration with seven players, signing them to one-year deals

New starting pitcher Tanner Roark among those signed through 2019
Reds catcher Curt Casali plays against the Rockies on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

Reds catcher Curt Casali plays against the Rockies on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

The Cincinnati Reds announced Friday they have avoided arbitration and agreed to terms with shortstop Jose Peraza, second baseman Scooter Gennett, outfielder Yasiel Puig, catcher Curt Casali and pitchers Michael Lorenzen, Anthony DeSclafani and Tanner Roark on one-year contracts for the 2019 season.

According to Mark Sheldon, of MLB.com, here are what the contracts are worth: Peraza ($2.7 million); Gennett ($9.7 million); Puig ($9.7 million); Casali ($950,000); Lorenzen ($1.9 million); DeSclafani ($2.1 million); and Roark ($10 million).

» MORE REDS COVERAGE: Senzel invited to big-league camp Bolivar returns to DragonsList of winter caravan stops

Peraza, 24, hit .288 last season with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs. It was his third season with the Reds.

Gennett, 28, enters his third season with the Reds. He hit .310 with 23 home runs and 92 RBIs last season.

Puig, 28, hit .267 with 23 home runs and 63 RBIs with the Dodgers. The Reds traded for him on Dec. 21.

Casali, 30, hit .293 with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 52 games last season as a backup to starter Tucker Barnhart for the Reds. He joined the team on May 31 after the Reds purchased his contract from the Tampa Bay Rays. He made an immediate impact, hitting .407 in his first 11 games.

After missing all of the 2017 season, DeSclafani, 28, returned to the mound in 2018 and was 7-8 with a 4.93 ERA in 21 starts.

Lorenzen, 27, was 4-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 45 appearances. He made three starts.

The Reds acquired Roark from the Washington Nationals in a trade for Tanner Rainey in December. Roark, 32, was 64-54 with a 3.59 ERA in six seasons with the Nationals. He started 141 games and made 31 relief appearances.

The Reds did not reach a deal with the one other arbitration-eligible player, pitcher Alex Wood, before Friday’s deadline.

About the Author