Redleg Nation looks at the Reds options at shortstop for the upcoming season:

While Krall noted that the team believed in Jose Garcia being the shortstop of the future, the team is “keeping their options open with who and what is out there” – and there’s quite a bit out there when it comes to shortstops.

RedlegNation.com

Garcia has not wowed anyone with his bat yet. Given his history, he’s more likely to be a traditional offensive shortstop, able to get on base well but with little power. If he has a great glove and the rest of the team hits, that’s fine.

Garcia plays 2021 as a twenty three year old, however, so in reality, the future is now. I suspect that the big free agents at the position, Didi Gregorius, Marcus Semien, and Andrelton Simmons will want contracts with a long enough term that Garica would be blocked for a few years. That’s why a trade for Francisco Lindor would be the best option. The Reds would get an elite player for one year, improving their playoff chances while they see if Garcia can handle the high minors.

On the other hand, an good supply of potential shortstops means this should be a buyer’s market at the position. The Reds in fact may be better off signing one of the three, or trading for Lindor and giving the Indians shortstop a long-term contract. Then they can flip Garcia to fill another hole on the team. This is the sort of situations where GMs earn their money.