Reds offer free agents an opportunity to shine

SAN DIEGO -- Since the rebuilding Reds can’t offer their targeted free agents an opportunity to play for an expected contender in 2023, they must find other avenues to attract players to Cincinnati.

A slugger could get a chance to hit in cozy Great American Ball Park. There could be the offer of more playing time. A player who entered the market after a down year or two could rebuild their value with a one-year contract.

“You've got to sell yourself as best you can,” Reds general manager Nick Krall said. “We can offer you some opportunities at different places. I think if you have an opportunity to come to our ballpark, it's a hitter-friendly park. Pitchers come in and they get a chance to work with our coaching staff, improve and get to go out on the market next year. We've got the opportunity to let you play. I think that's a win-win for some people.”

The Cubs reportedly agreed to terms on Tuesday with outfielder Cody Bellinger on a one-year, $17.5 million contract. The 2019 National League Most Valuable Player Award winner, Bellinger has endured three straight subpar seasons with the Dodgers.

If the Reds can land a player on a so-called “pillow contract,” it’s possible his value improves enough to be a Trade Deadline chip. If he finishes the season with the club and re-enters the free-agent market, he could yield a high Draft pick in compensation if he’s given a qualifying offer.

Some of the players who could fit this mold are ex-Mets outfielder Michael Conforto, who missed all of 2022 with a shoulder injury, or former Reds outfielder Adam Duvall. He missed the second half with the Braves last season because of left wrist surgery.

Last season during Spring Training and after the lockout, the Reds signed Brandon Drury to a Minor League deal and Tommy Pham to a one-year, $8.5 million contract, then they flipped them both at the Trade Deadline for prospects in separate deals.

“We want to do the best we can this offseason to put the best team on the field to start the season, and ideally you're looking to sustain something and maybe you'll continue to get younger and see how it takes you throughout the course of the year,” Krall said. “If you're playing the upside to your younger players -- guys taking more memorable roles, it's playing more in the big leagues, it's getting more comfortable in the big leagues, it's continuing to develop, and that way we can win at the big leagues. Ideally, you're not trading the players at the Deadline.”

Krall spent Tuesday during the Winter Meetings continuing talks with agents and clubs, but no significant deals were reached. The Reds did sign catcher Jhonny Pereda to a Minor League contract and invited him to big league camp. Pereda has spent all nine seasons of his pro career in the Minors and is a catching depth pickup.

“We’re just trying to see what’s out there and what we can do to improve the club,” Krall said. “I think we’re just seeing what we have and how the money is and what we can work out."