CINCINNATI -- As promised in the previous edition of this newsletter, it's already been a busy week in Reds land and the Winter Meetings are just getting underway today.
By adding free agents Nick Martinez (two years, $26 million) and Emilio Pagán (two years, $16 million), president of baseball operations Nick Krall has fortified the pitching staff with a pair of veteran arms. Martinez is likely to be in the rotation mix while Pagán is capable of working a variety of situations out of the bullpen.
Will another acquisition happen at the Winter Meetings this week in Nashville, Tenn.?
"I really don’t know the answer to that question -- truly," Krall said. "We signed two guys we really like. I think we’re excited to have them. How can we build on that? Is there going to be a deal? I don’t know the answer to that.”
Let's take a look at what could be an interesting few days at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
Key Events
• Sunday: HOF Contemporary Era ballot results released (Cito Gaston, Davey Johnson, Jim Leyland, Ed Montague, Hank Peters, Lou Piniella, Joe West and Bill White)
• Monday: Media session with Reds manager David Bell
• Tuesday: 2024 Draft Lottery
• Wednesday: 2023 Rule 5 Draft
Club Needs
Although Cincinnati addressed the pitching staff -- both the rotation and bullpen -- with its latest moves, the club could still get more. The Reds were pursuing free agent Sonny Gray before he signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Cardinals last week. They also have interest in Rays starter Tyler Glasnow for a potential trade, and other starters like Dylan Cease of the White Sox and Shane Bieber of the Guardians appear available as well.
Offensively, the Reds could use a right-handed-hitting outfielder and shore up their bench.
“I think if we can find something that matches up that we can upgrade our team, we want to do that," Krall said. "We want to be able to put quality players on this club and continue to get better.”
Potential trade candidates
Going back to the Trade Deadline, second baseman Jonathan India was involved in numerous rumors. That hasn't subsided in the offseason, especially since the Reds are so deep with young and talented infielders. While Cincinnati isn't necessarily shopping India, the club is willing to listen.
“I go with the flow. There’s nothing I can do about it. I talked to the front office and talked to a lot of people," India said. “They’re a very honest team, a very honest front office. They don’t lie to you here. We’ve had conversations this offseason. I know where I stand. We’ll see what happens.”
Prospect to Know
Outfielder Rece Hinds -- the Reds’ No. 10 prospect according to MLB Pipeline -- was added to the 40-man roster last month. Hinds, the Reds' second-round pick in 2019 as a third baseman, moved to the outfield ahead of the 2022 season. In 2023, the 23-year-old batted .269 with an .866 OPS, 23 home runs and 98 RBIs in 109 games with Double-A Chattanooga.
Rule 5 Draft
Among players left exposed by Cincinnati, second baseman Tyler Callihan could be a potential pick by another club. Although no longer a Top 30-ranked prospect -- the lost COVID season and injuries marred his progress -- the lefty hitter slashed .310/.396/.460 in 87 at-bats during a promising 2023 season for Double-A Chattanooga.
Because the Reds are seeking to contend and have a roster already loaded with young players, it would seem unlikely they would select a player in the Rule 5 Draft. But don't rule it out.
Burning Question
Would the Reds trade India? Especially after they moved on from Joey Votto, India -- the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year -- is one of the heart-and-soul members of the club and a clubhouse leader. But if the right deal comes along, Cincinnati could replace India with Matt McLain at second base.