Reds sign outfielder Myers to one year deal

*Photo from BoSox Injection*

   Looking to fill a few needs, the Cincinnati Reds went shopping. The Reds and OF Wil Myers have agreed to a one year, $7.5 million deal, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds have officially confirmed.

   The signing gives Myers a $6 million salary for 2023, and has a mutual option for 2024. He is guaranteed $7.5 million thanks to a $1.5 million buyout on the option. There are incentives available that could add $1.5 million to his salary, and he also gets a $500,000 bonus if he is traded.

   Myers said of signing with the Reds that "I’ve had a couple of years that have been a little down, so I want to be able to come out here and give myself a good chance to come out and have a nice year. I’m excited to be a part of this organization as well. They are up and coming, but as far as the elements there, it’s a great park to hit in, and I’m very excited to see what I could do there."

   Starting his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, Myers earned AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. He was then dealt to the San Diego Padres prior to the 2015 season, and was selected to the NL All Star Team in 2016. He was the longest tenured player on the Padres in 2022, but his option was declined, making him a free agent.

   Dealing with a right thumb contusion and right knee inflammation limited Myers noticeably in 2022. He ended the season with a .261 batting average, .398 slugging percentage, and .713 OPS, his lowest since 2014. He added 7 home runs and 41 RBI's in 77 games played.

   Reds GM Nick Krall said of adding Myers that "He’s a quality outfielder who can hit, has some pop in the middle of your lineup. He is a solid, everyday player. Obviously, he had some injuries last year but played well after that."

   Across his 10 year career with the Rays and Padres, Myers will be entering his 9th year in the NL. In his career, he has amassed a .254 batting average, .329 on base percentage, and .442 slugging percentage, adding 153 home runs and 521 RBI's in 1,063 games played. He has 3 home runs and 6 RBI's to go with a .141 batting average in 21 playoff games.

   Myers also adds the ability to play all 3 outfield spots defensively, with the ability to fill in at first base when necessary. He even made one appearance at 3rd base and took the mound 4 times in mop up duty. He's the first notable addition of the offseason for the Reds.