Neftali

Soto

Heyman hears that the deal is worth just under $10 million. Soto had entertained the idea of coming back to MLB, but it’s unlikely he was going to find that sort of money back in the states. The 31-year-old has amassed 109 homers with a .900 OPS over his three seasons in Japan. He had a couple cups of coffee with the Reds in 2013 and 2014.

Soto has played for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan the last two years and cranked over 40 home runs in both seasons. The 30-year-old is under contract with the BayStars for one more year but could be a candidate for a major league contract after that.

Soto and Gregorius are the highest profile names on this list, but neither had a real chance to make the club. Gregorius hasn’t played above Double-A, and Soto, who belted 31 homers in just 379 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A last season, is stuck behind Joey Votto.

Soto has great raw power, which he showcased with a .278/.333/.576 batting line with 31 homers over 379 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A this season. After several position switches, he’s primarily a first baseman now, which is bad news given the organization he’s in.

Soto, 24, has shown good power potential over his seven-year minor league career and will provide corner infield depth. He was batting .269/.310/.388 with three home runs in 33 games at the Triple-A level.

Soto was up in the majors for only a couple of days and saw just one plate appearance. He did not register a hit.

Soto began his professional career as a third baseman and shortstop but was eventually moved to first base when it looked like he couldn’t hack it defensively. However, with Joey Votto entrenched at first, the Reds might give Soto another look at the hot corner. “They’re talking about it, because he came up a third baseman, then really improved as a first baseman,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “Those two positions are mirror images, plus he has a good throwing arm. So, he could play third base.”

Soto also drove in two runs for the losing squad. The 23-year-old has played primarily at first base for the Reds’ minor league affiliates since being selected in the third round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. With Todd Frazier taking over full-time duties at third base and Joey Votto’s injury history, it’s not impossible that we’ll see Soto in Cincinnati at some point in 2013. It just won’t likely be in April.

No surprises here. With Joey Votto’s injury history, it’s possible that we’ll see Soto in Cincinnati at some point in 2013. The Reds have also optioned 1B/OF Donald Lutz to Double-A Pensacola.

Soto had two stints with the big-league Reds earlier this season. He will serve as depth for their bench.