Reds sign corner infielder -- and former nemesis -- Moran to one-year deal

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The newest member of the Reds has been a nemesis over recent seasons. Corner infielder Colin Moran was signed on Thursday to a one-year, $1 million contract.

“I’m glad we don’t have to play against him anymore,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We’ve seen him a lot. He can hit. He’s always been able to hit. He’s going to play a role. In our ballpark, on our team, having a left-handed bat, a dangerous at-bat like that is going to help us.”

Moran, 29, spent the last four seasons with the NL Central-rival Pirates and batted .258/.334/.390 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 99 games during 2021.

Ten of Moran’s 45 career homers have come against Cincinnati.

“Big hits, big homers. That’s what it seemed like,” Bell said. “It did seem like Colin came up in a lot of important situations and it was like a turning point. It seems like when we got him out, good things would happen. He seemed to beat us quite a bit too. Good player. We’ve gotten to see him a lot. I don’t know Colin well, but I’ve heard he brings a lot to a team. It will be nice to have him here.”

Moran plays both third base and first base, and he could also be utilized as a designated hitter. Mike Moustakas and Joey Votto currently hold the regular corner infield spots for the Reds.

Afternoon delight?

In a twist to an already unique Spring Training, the Reds have held afternoon workouts each day since camp opened. A few players have privately disapproved, preferring the traditional early morning arrivals to work before the exhibition schedule begins.

Bell has wanted to try more afternoon workouts for a while, for multiple reasons. He’s also been a proponent of more night games on the Cactus League schedule. Of the nine home games scheduled at Goodyear Ballpark, five will be at night.

“The idea behind it really has to do with health -- rest and recovery health,” Bell said. “You also look at what we do during the season. For the most part, you get on a night schedule, we work at night. It never made sense to me that you would do all day games in Spring Training, and then jump into the season, and it's all night games. So we really prioritize, being able to sleep, get plenty of rest.”

Worth noting

Bell said that No. 1 prospect Hunter Greene will make his spring debut on Monday vs. the Cubs. Greene, also in the rotation battle, will appear from the bullpen in relief vs. Chicago.

The Reds wore green uniforms for St. Patrick’s Day during Thursday’s workout. The uniforms were ordered before the lockout canceled games. The team wore green hats and jerseys anyway. Players autographed the items and they will eventually be sold to benefit the Reds Community Fund.

Up next

The Reds open the Cactus League schedule with a 4:05 p.m. ET game vs. the Guardians in Goodyear. Cincinnati, which is the road team, will start No. 2 prospect Nick Lodolo, a contender for the rotation’s fifth spot.