Reds Reluctantly Part With Wil Myers

Will Myers is the first victim of the Reds youth movement. The veteran who played for Tampa Bay and San Diego was designated for assignment the day after Joey Votto was returned to active duty after 10 months. 

Myer, a popular player in the Reds' clubhouse and in the league in general, was suffering through a sub par season and injuries that included Covid and a kidney stone. He played in 37 games for the Reds this season but hit a disappointing .189 his career low, with three home runs and 12 RBI.

The Reds signed Myers as a free agent in December, knowing that Nick Senzel and Joey Votto would likely not be ready for the start of the season, the 32-year old, 10-year veteran was counted upon to provide offense and play right field and first base, in Votto's absence.

Recently, Spencer Steer has excelled at first base. Senzel has moved around to play some outfield. Not to mention Elly De la Cruz, Matt McLain and Will Benson coming into their own and earning playing time.

"It was a tough decision. It speaks a lot to how our guys were playing," David Bell said. "Wil has been injured and hasn't played a lot but has a long track record of being a really good player, He's become a big part of our team. He also dedicated himself to our team and what is going on here. We know he can come back and become the player, he can be."

It was not expected this soon but all the youthful prospects would be this productive, this soon.

General manage, Nick Krall, now finds himself in a pennant race with mid-season decisions about whether to add players for this season or maintain and eye on the future.

"Wil's been great. He's very professional and the guys really like him but over the last few weeks we've brought some players up. They've earned the right to play," Krall said. "We thought we have a better team sticking with the guys we've got on this club instead of Wil."

"It wasn't about the money. We thought will would be a contributor coming in and it just didn't happen," Krall said. "I feel bad Wil's a great guy. I wish him the best."

The Reds could trade him within 10 days or he goes on waivers and once cleared becomes a free agent and will be paid all but the MLB minimum should he sign with another team.

"We're in first place we are looking to win," Krall said. 

Krall has been authorized to increase payroll the rest of the year if needed.