NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Reds have been making efforts to upgrade their bullpen and keeping lines open for trade talks. As their baseball operations department convenes for the 2016 Winter Meetings, the odds that moves can be made improve.
That's because Cincinnati will be among the 30 clubs that will all be under one roof starting Monday. The Meetings conclude Thursday morning with the Rule 5 Draft.
MLB.com and MLB Network will have wall-to-wall coverage of the 2016 Winter Meetings from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center outside Washington, D.C. Fans can watch live streaming of all news conferences and manager availability on MLB.com, including the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday at 9 a.m. ET.
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This will be the first Winter Meetings where general manager Dick Williams is the leader of Reds baseball operations. Former president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty has stepped into an advisory role.
Each day, Williams and his group will be engaged in talks with other clubs and agents. While the Reds are not expected to make big free-agent signings, trades and smaller signings are possible. If nothing else, the groundwork is laid to speed along those transactions later in the offseason.
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Inside the Reds' suite at the hotel, Williams will have a daily briefing with Reds beat writers about developments. Stop by reds.com often for stories and updates each day.
Reds manager Bryan Price is scheduled to meet with reporters Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
The Reds have a few primary goals this offseason. They would like to find relievers capable of throwing multiple innings and potentially all situations as they build a bullpen around Raisel Iglesias and Michael Lorenzen.
Cincinnati would also like to add a veteran starting pitcher to compete for the opening in the rotation. There are already several young pitchers and prospects in the mix, but the club wouldn't mind adding to the depth of competition.
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Also of importance, Williams would like to sort out the situation in the middle of the infield. Shortstop Zack Cozart and second baseman Brandon Phillips are available for trades as the Reds would like to open up playing time for José Peraza and Dilson Herrera.
The Reds currently 39 players on their 40-man roster, leaving them a spot to make a selection in the Rule 5 Draft.