Today starts the beginning of the 2019 MLB Winter Meetings. Over the next four days the world of baseball will converge on San Diego which will likely be the busiest time of the offseason for some general managers.
Right now baseball's top shot callers are joining together to find ways to improve their teams. They'll each be going in with a general idea of what pieces they have and what pieces they need. From there it's just finding ways to put those pieces together to bring the best team for next year.
With everyone together that's not too hard to do. During these sessions there's everyone from the front office on board. Last year there were four trades and 10 free agent signed before everyone departed. This year will likely be busy as well.
Cincinnati is coming into the Winter Meetings after already being busy in the offseason. In the last few weeks the Reds have added a number of new names to the roster via trades and acquisitions. To recap here's where we are so far:
November 25th - Reds trade to gain Justin Shafer (SP) from the Blue Jays for cash considerations
November 25th - Reds claim Nick Martini (OF) from the Padres.
November 27th - The Rays acquire Brian O'Grady from the Reds for a player to be named later and cash.
December 2nd - Reds announce they will not tender a contract to Jose Peraza (IF) after his poor showing in 2019 season.
December 2nd - Reds also non-tendered Kevin Gausman (RP). Gausman performed well but the price tag of his arbitration seems to be a bit too pricey for the Reds management.
December 5th - Reds have made a major signing by agreeing to a 4 year, $64MM deal with Mike Moustakas (IF). It appears the Moose will be making the move to 2nd base to help solidify the Reds infield.
We've made some moves already but to be contenders I think we could still use a few more valuable additions to the team. I would have love to seen Yasmani Grandal join the Reds over the White Sox to solidify our backstop position but that's a worry for the past. Now we need to find new pieces that can bring reinforcements for this group.
Outside of help behind the plate the biggest thing I'd like to see the Reds moving on is some bullpen help. If we could secure an arm or two then I think that would be the biggest help our management team could give this team. I would feel much better knowing that Bauer had someone to help carry over the games after stepping out.
The final nice piece to add would be some added power from one of the corner outfield spots. There has been talk linking Marcell Ozuna and Nicholas Castellanos to the Reds but I won't be holding my breathe. I think both will go to deeper pocketed teams leaving someone like Corey Dickerson open for a pickup.
I think if we could secure some bullpen help and just a bit more bullpen help then we'll be a totally different team from last year. That being said I would have never expected last years blockbuster winter deal so I'm excited for what comes of this week!
