Inbox: Will Reds try to lock up Suarez?

Beat reporter Mark Sheldon field fans' questions

August 21st, 2017

Not since the All-Star break have we cracked open the Reds Inbox and taken a look at your questions. Please keep them coming -- on Twitter, Facebook and email.
Given the presence of No. 1 Reds prospect Nick Senzel, how likely do you think it is that the Reds explore a long-term deal with third baseman ?
-- @ChuckScrabbles

I haven't heard any rumors that they are exploring a long-term deal contract with Suarez, but it's something I would do -- especially if it buys some certainty heading into his arbitration years and perhaps a free-agent year. Eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, his trajectory continues to point steadily upward. Suarez has improved as a hitter and he's become an exemplary third baseman defensively in a relatively short amount of time. Even with Senzel on the radar, a position move for one of them isn't out of the question. If both players can hit, the Reds will find a place for them to play. I could actually see Senzel as a second baseman, especially if Herrera doesn't pan out.
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Will the Reds be making any changes to the 40-man roster for September callups?
-- @BrianRea1

The changes will likely be minimal, at least heading into September, when the clubs can expand their roster for the final month. I could see potential non-roster players like pitcher Tyler Mahle and infielders Zack Vincej, Alex Blandino or getting called up. To make room, the Reds could take injured players on the 10-day disabled list and transfer them to the 60-day DL. Second baseman , who's at Triple-A Louisville, would fit that mold, and if their seasons are determined not to be salvageable, the same could be done with pitchers , and . A majority of possible callups -- from lefty to righty -- are already on the 40-man roster.

What do you see the Reds doing with and Homer Bailey and their contracts?
-- @SeanMichael317

Nothing. This isn't football. Baseball contracts are guaranteed. After the 2017 season, Bailey has two years and $44 million remaining on his six-year, $105 million contract. That doesn't include the $5 million buyout on the $25 million club option for '20. In '18, Mesoraco will be heading into the fourth year of his four-year, $28 million contract, and he will be making $13.1 million. There will be no trade market for either player since they haven't been healthy. What does releasing them do? The Reds would still have to pay. The only thing that can be done is hope both players get healthy and at least approach the area code of their previous successful seasons.
Are the Reds going to let Zack Cozart walk at the end of the season?
-- @RealRdub

I think Cozart will become a free agent and will explore the open market and see what he can get. I doubt the Reds would extend him the free-agent qualifying offer of just above $18 million for one year -- required for Draft pick compensation. Cozart could very well accept since it would be about 3 1/2 times what he's making this year and more than he's made over his entire career.

The shortstop market isn't robust and the Reds love having Cozart's skills on the field and his influence in the clubhouse. The club also hasn't identified a proven replacement at shortstop from the system, although would seem to be the guy. Perhaps a deal that works for both sides would be possible.
Do you see any case where the Reds would unload Senzel for an established pitcher?
-- @bnicholskid93

This would only make sense if the Reds felt they were on the cusp of contending for a World Series. They made an aggressive move like this ahead of their 97-win 2012 season by acquiring pitcher Mat Latos for three top prospects and pitcher . I don't see something like that happening this offseason.