 Roki Sasaki is arguably the most coveted free agent still on the market, considered a generational talent among Japanese superstar starting pitchers. Surprisingly, the Cincinnati Reds have a fighting chance to land the 23-year-old phenom.
Wait, what? Sasaki was posted on Monday by his team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, initiating a 45-day window for Major League teams to negotiate and sign this potential ace. "I'd love to be able to have a conversation with him," Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said at the Winter Meetings. "We’re going to try and do our best. He’s a player we scouted in Japan and we’ll see what happens." While the Dodgers and Padres are early favorites, and big-market teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox are also in the mix, the deal isn’t solely about having the largest payroll. The reason lies in MLB's international amateur signing bonus pool rules. Since Sasaki is under 25 years old and hasn't amassed six years of professional service, he falls under these rules. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced last month that Sasaki will be part of the 2025 international amateur signing class. This situation significantly boosts the Reds' chances, as they hold one of the largest international bonus pools for the 2025 signing period at $7,555,500. The Reds' substantial bonus pool, combined with their commitment to scout and potentially sign Sasaki, places them as serious contenders in this competitive market. It will be intriguing to see if Cincinnati can pull off this major coup and bring Sasaki to the Queen City.
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 The Cincinnati Reds have shown interest in trading for Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians, according to a report by Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Although the Guardians are open to offers for either player, there is no indication that a deal with the Reds or any other team is imminent. Wittenmyer's phrasing suggests that the Reds' inquiry may have been more of an initial exploration rather than a serious pursuit.
Cincinnati is actively seeking outfield reinforcements, as confirmed by president of baseball operations Nick Krall, who recently stated that any new addition to the roster is likely to be an outfielder. Lane Thomas, with his right-handed bat, could provide a complementary option to left-handed hitters Jake Fraley or TJ Friedl in right or center field. However, Thomas' projected $8.3 million arbitration salary may be too high for a part-time role given the Reds' budget constraints. Thomas' performance in 2024 was mixed; he posted better numbers with the Nationals, hitting .253/.331/.407 over 341 plate appearances, compared to .209/.267/.390 in 187 plate appearances with the Guardians. His combined stats resulted in a slightly subpar 99 wRC+. Defensively, Thomas struggled in right field and was only average at best in center field, contributing to his overall value of 1.3 fWAR in 130 games. The Reds' infield situation is both crowded and unsettled. Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte are the primary candidates for the corner infield and designated hitter spots. However, all three players struggled at the plate in 2024. Additionally, Encarnacion-Strand missed most of the season due to wrist surgery, and Marte served a suspension for PED use in the first half of the season. Given these uncertainties, the Reds' interest in Naylor and Thomas makes sense as they look to bolster their roster. Whether these exploratory trade talks will lead to an actual deal remains to be seen. As free agent Nick Martinez accepted the Reds' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer for 2025 on November 19, he became the team's highest-paid player, raising questions about the club's remaining budget for other offseason acquisitions.
This weekend, the Reds' baseball-operations department heads to Dallas for MLB's annual Winter Meetings, where the financial picture is expected to become clearer. "We've got a little bit of flexibility right now," stated Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall on Monday. While the exact payroll figure for the next season remains undisclosed, the Reds have indicated it will be at or above the 2024 figure of roughly $100 million. Currently, Cincinnati has about $56 million committed to contracts for Martinez, Jeimer Candelario, Emilio Pagán, Hunter Greene, Santiago Espinal, and Brent Suter. This figure does not include the salaries of club-controlled players or those eligible for arbitration. Despite Martinez's significant salary, the Reds are not ruled out from pursuing additional free agents, nor has it increased the likelihood of making trades to meet their needs. "We're looking at both markets. We haven't ruled anything out yet," Krall mentioned. The Reds are particularly focused on adding hitters to their roster, with a preference for an outfielder over an infielder. However, Krall remains open to various possibilities, stating, "Most likely it's going to be an outfielder over an infielder, but I wouldn’t rule anything out just yet." When asked about specific targets, Krall remained tight-lipped, emphasizing the importance of acquiring versatile players who excel both defensively and offensively. As the Reds approach the Winter Meetings, the team’s strategy and potential moves will be closely watched, with fans eager to see how the club positions itself for the upcoming season.  The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are now in the mix to trade for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. Previously, the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies were the primary contenders for the young star, but the Cubs and Reds have recently emerged as new potential destinations.
The Cubs have been actively bolstering their rotation, recently signing free-agent left-hander Matthew Boyd. Adding Crochet would further strengthen their starting rotation, positioning him alongside Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga as a formidable trio. Meanwhile, the Reds have also been enhancing their pitching staff, notably acquiring Brady Singer via trade. With promising young starters like Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo already in their ranks, the addition of Crochet would significantly deepen Cincinnati's rotation. As the offseason progresses, both the Cubs and Reds are keenly pursuing Crochet, highlighting their commitment to improving their pitching depth ahead of the 2025 season.  With the return of Nick Martinez and the acquisition of Brady Singer, the Cincinnati Reds have solidified their rotation. Now, the team is turning its attention to bolstering the offense. President of baseball operations Nick Krall mentioned to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon that the Reds are "looking to add hitters," with a particular focus on outfielders, though they haven't ruled out infield additions entirely.
The Reds' willingness to increase payroll remains uncertain. COO Doug Healy previously stated that the payroll would be at or above 2024 levels. With last year's payroll at $100 million and projected to be $101 million in 2025, the Reds may need to push that number higher, offload an existing contract (such as those of Jeimer Candelario or Emilio Pagan), or trade for a pre-arbitration player to further strengthen the lineup. Krall is exploring both free agent and trade options to enhance the outfield, which currently includes Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild, Blake Dunn, and Rece Hinds. Steer, who has played multiple infield positions, might see more time in the infield if needed. The Reds' infield, while crowded, is inexperienced. Elly De La Cruz is set at shortstop, and Matt McLain is likely to take over second base following India's trade. The corners remain uncertain after Candelario's struggles in the first year of his contract. Former top prospect Noelvi Marte will see time at third base, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand will be at first, though both players have faced challenges this season.
 Cincinnati Reds' right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft has announced a change to his jersey number, switching from his previous number 51, to 23. This change comes as Ashcraft prepares for the upcoming season, aiming to make a fresh start and continue improving his performance on the mound.
Ashcraft, who has shown flashes of potential since his MLB debut in 2022, is looking to build on his experiences and solidify his role in the Reds' pitching rotation. Fans will be able to see him sport the new number when the season kicks off.  The Cincinnati Reds have brought Mike Napoli on board for an unspecified position within the organization, according to a report by WEEI’s Rob Bradford. Napoli, who previously spent five seasons with the Chicago Cubs as a quality assurance coach and then as a first base coach, was let go in October.
Napoli's connection with the Reds' new manager, Terry Francona, runs deep. Napoli played under Francona during the 2016 season with the Cleveland Indians, a team that came close to clinching the World Series title. As Cleveland's everyday first baseman/DH, Napoli hit .239/.335/.465 with 34 home runs in 645 plate appearances, significantly contributing to the club's American League pennant run. His peak years in the majors included this stellar performance, although his production dipped with the Rangers in 2017, and a subsequent return to Cleveland in 2018 did not result in any major league playing time. Currently, the specifics of Napoli’s role with the Reds remain unclear. The Reds have already announced their coaching staff for Francona’s inaugural season as manager, with new additions like co-bench coach Brad Mills and hitting coach Chris Valaika, both of whom have ties to Francona's Cleveland tenure. Since there haven’t been any sudden departures from the Cincinnati staff, it's possible that Napoli’s position might be a newly created one or perhaps a non-coaching role. According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Napoli will be a staff assistant not officially part of the coaching staff.  The Cincinnati Reds have made a significant move to bolster their starting rotation by acquiring Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer. This trade is expected to have a substantial impact on the Reds' pitching staff for the upcoming season. Let's take a closer look at what the Reds' starting rotation might look like:
1. Hunter Greene Hunter Greene, the Reds' ace, had a solid season with a 9-5 record and a 2.75 ERA. He's a power pitcher with a fastball that can reach triple digits, making him a formidable presence at the top of the rotation. 2. Nick Martinez Nick Martinez accepted a $21.05 million qualifying offer to return to the Reds. He had a strong finish to the 2024 season, going 5-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 11 starts. His versatility allows him to be used both as a starter and a reliever, adding depth to the pitching staff. 3. Brady Singer Brady Singer, the newly acquired right-hander, brings durability and experience to the Reds. In 2024, he made 32 starts and pitched 179 2/3 innings for the Royals, posting a 3.71 ERA1. His sinkerball-slider mix should be effective in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. 4. Nick Lodolo Nick Lodolo, a left-handed pitcher, had a mixed season with a 9-6 record and a 4.76 ERA. He has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a key part of the rotation if he can find more consistency. 5. Andrew Abbott Andrew Abbott, another lefty, finished the season with a 10-10 record and a 3.72 ERA. He's a young pitcher with a promising future and could benefit from the veteran presence in the rotation. 6. Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder, a highly touted prospect, made a strong impression in his six-start debut with a 1.17 ERA. He's expected to compete for a spot in the rotation and could be a valuable addition if he continues to perform well. 7. Carson Spiers Carson Spiers is another young pitcher who will be in the mix for a rotation spot. He has shown potential in the minor leagues and could be a dark horse to make the team. 8. Graham Ashcraft Graham Ashcraft is another right-handed pitcher who will be competing for a spot in the rotation. He has shown flashes of potential and could be a valuable depth piece for the Reds. The Reds' rotation is now deeper and more experienced, with Singer and Martinez adding stability and innings to the staff. This trade also allows the Reds to focus on other areas of need as they prepare for the 2025 season.  The Kansas City Royals have made a significant trade, acquiring second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer. This move was first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided on X1.
Jonathan India: A Valuable Addition Jonathan India, a familiar name in MLB, won the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year Award. Known for his impressive on-base skills, India boasts a .253 OBP and a .253 average over his four-year career2. He's expected to play second base for Kansas City next season, bringing a much-needed boost to the lineup. Joey Wiemer: A Potential Gem Joey Wiemer, though not as well-known, has shown potential in his short career. In his two-year career, he's batted .201 in 393 at-bats2. While his performance in the majors has been modest, the Royals believe he has the potential to develop further and contribute to the team. Brady Singer: Heading to Cincinnati In return, the Reds have acquired Brady Singer, a reliable starting pitcher who set career highs in 2024 with 32 starts and 179.2 innings. Singer's addition to the Reds' rotation is expected to provide depth and stability. The Cincinnati Reds have made strategic moves by adding Tyler Callihan and Luis Mey to their 40-man roster. This decision protects both players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft, bringing the team's roster count to 39.
These additions reflect the Reds' commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring depth for future seasons. Tyler Callihan, with his versatile fielding capabilities and impressive batting stats, along with Luis Mey's potential as a strong arm in the bullpen, signify promising developments for the team's lineup.  Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez has accepted the Qualifying Offer (QO) from the Cincinnati Reds, as reported by Francys Romero. This decision means Martinez will remain with the team for the 2025 season on a one-year, $21.05 million contract.
Martinez, 34, received the QO following an impressive debut season with the Reds. After joining Cincinnati last winter on a two-year, $26 million deal, Martinez delivered a solid performance, posting a 3.10 ERA and a 3.21 FIP over 142 1/3 innings. His season was split between the starting rotation and the bullpen, showcasing his versatility. Martinez excelled in relief, recording a 1.86 ERA in 53 1/3 innings, while his 3.84 ERA across 16 starts demonstrated his potential as a reliable rotation piece. Although he struggled early in the season with a 5.46 ERA through April, Martinez finished strong with a 2.42 ERA in 63 1/3 innings over 11 starts after returning to the rotation in August. His strikeout rate (22.5%) and groundball rate (42.8%) were better as a reliever, but his late-season performance as a starter provides optimism for 2025. Since returning to MLB after a successful stint in Japan, where he posted a 3.02 ERA in 378 1/3 NPB innings, Martinez has demonstrated the ability to shift between roles based on team needs. Over the past three seasons, he logged 184 innings across 35 starts and 175 innings over 117 relief outings. This flexibility is particularly valuable for the Reds, especially given the injury histories of pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott. The Reds' decision to extend the QO to Martinez, despite the significant raise from his 2024 salary, highlights their appreciation for his contributions. While the two sides discussed a multi-year extension, they ultimately did not reach an agreement. Given Martinez's age, his market value in a multi-year deal might be lower, making the QO an attractive option. Martinez's addition strengthens the Reds' pitching staff, but it also impacts the club's budget. RosterResource estimates the Reds' current payroll for 2025 at just under $81 million. With Martinez's $21.05 million salary, the total pushes above the previous year's mark of $100 million, possibly necessitating additional financial adjustments. Potential cost-saving measures, like non-tendering players such as Santiago Espinal and Jake Fraley, could help manage the budget. As the offseason progresses, the Reds will navigate these financial challenges while seeking to enhance their roster. Martinez's return is a positive step, but further moves will be necessary to maintain and build on the team's competitive edge for the upcoming season.  Following their breakthrough playoff performance in 2024, the Kansas City Royals are reportedly looking to make a significant move to maintain their momentum heading into the 2025 season.
According to C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals have identified Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India as a key trade target. This potential deal might involve Royals pitcher Brady Singer, who has garnered interest from the Reds. A swap between India and Singer would be mutually beneficial for both teams. The Royals struggled with a gap at second base last season, and India would provide a solid solution. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year hit .248 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases for the Reds in 2024 and has two more seasons remaining before free agency. India has expressed his desire to play for a winning team, and the Royals, currently closer to achieving that status than the Reds, could offer him the competitive environment he seeks. Singer, a former first-round pick, had a commendable 2024 season, posting a 3.71 ERA across 32 starts for Kansas City. While he has yet to achieve consistent performance at the MLB level, he also has two more years of team control. The Royals have sufficient rotation depth to absorb the loss of Singer, especially after re-signing Michael Wacha to kick off the offseason. The Royals finished the 2024 season with an 86-76 record and advanced past the Baltimore Orioles in the AL wild-card series. They put up a strong fight against the eventual AL champion New York Yankees in a competitive four-game ALDS, demonstrating their potential to contend. It is understandable why the team is eager to bolster their roster and build on their recent success. As the offseason progresses, the Royals' pursuit of Jonathan India could prove to be a pivotal move in their quest to sustain and enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season In a groundbreaking announcement today, Major League Baseball (MLB) revealed its plans to take over the distribution of local broadcasts for the Cincinnati Reds starting in the 2025 season. This significant move promises to enhance how Reds fans experience the games, both on television and through new streaming options.
A Seamless Transition MLB's decision to handle the distribution means that fans can continue enjoying their beloved Reds games on television as they always have. The familiar voices of the broadcasters, the excitement of live action, and the comfort of watching the game from home remain unchanged. The New Streaming Era What sets this announcement apart is the introduction of a direct-to-consumer streaming option. For the first time, Reds fans will have the flexibility to stream games directly to their devices without the worry of blackout restrictions. This streaming service aims to provide a more accessible and convenient way for fans to stay connected with their team, no matter where they are. Benefits for Fans The new streaming option will offer several advantages:
Looking Ahead With MLB taking charge of local broadcasts, the future of Reds games looks bright and inclusive. This move aligns with the league's commitment to embracing modern technology and catering to the evolving preferences of baseball fans. As we await the 2025 season, Reds fans can look forward to a new era of accessibility and convenience. The combination of traditional television broadcasts and innovative streaming options ensures that the excitement of Reds baseball remains within reach for everyone. Via Mark Sheldon on Twitter, the Reds added Veteran Tony Kemp to the Minor League Roster.
Kemp is in his 9th MLB Season and has previously been with the Astros, Blue Jays, Cubs and Athletics. If he makes the squad, he will get a $1.75 Million contract with $750K in incentives. Jon Heyman reported via Twitter that the Reds have signed Mike Ford to a Minor League deal.
The deal is for $1.3 if he makes the Major League Roster, with another $125K in incentives. This is Fords 6th year in the MLB, with previous stops with the Yankees, Giants, Mariners, Giants and Angels. He has a .211 batting average, 36 HR and 85 RBI. Joey Votto, the longtime first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, now finds himself in unfamiliar territory as a free agent after dedicating his entire career to the team. The Reds declined their $20 million option for his services in 2024, instead opting for a $7 million buyout, which marks the first time he has hit the open market in his illustrious career12.
While Votto hopes to continue playing this year, it appears likely that he’ll need to don a new uniform to do so. Nick Krall, Cincinnati’s president of baseball operations, was unusually forthcoming last month, stating firmly that the Reds “don’t plan to bring him back as of now" Despite being a free agent, Votto has attracted interest from teams like the Blue Jays and Angels this offseason, although he remains unsigned. Whether he secures a new playing opportunity or not, it seems he has promising future job prospects. Krall expressed that the club would welcome Votto back in some capacity for a post-playing role. The exact nature of that role would likely be determined in the future, with possibilities such as a mentor, coach, or special assistant being floated. Given Votto’s franchise icon status, the Reds value his contributions both on and off the field. Having played parts of 17 seasons with them, Votto boasts an impressive resume, including winning the National League MVP in 2010 and making six All-Star teams. “I’ve left the door open for that,” Krall said. “I’d love to have Joey in the organization, once his playing days are over. He’s a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer. He’s very well respected in the organization, and we all love him.” The exact nature of that role would likely be determined in the future, with the article floating possibilities such as a mentor, coach, special assistant, etc. Votto has a huge impact on the younger Reds players and this would be a huge benefit to the club. Reds 2B missed the last month of his amazing 2023 rookie campaign with a right oblique strain and almost immediately into 2024 Spring Training Camp, he has the same injury.
"I was going at it too hard too early," McLain said on Tuesday. "I didn’t want to go through that again, so I told them it was bothering me. I took the foot off the gas for a couple days." McLain underwent an MRI examination on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope. The results indicated no fresh strain in the oblique and confirmed that his previous injury had fully healed. "Which is great news," manager David Bell said. "But it doesn't change the fact that he had a symptom, so we'll back him down for five to seven days and treat it and [do] a couple other protocols, and then hopefully get them back out there, back on track." "This next five days will be really important [to] let that irritation go away, and we'll just start building him back up," Bell said. Per a tweet from Mark Sheldon, the Reds are resigning catcher Luke Maile for a total value of $3.5 Million.
The 2024 contract has a club option for 2025. Maile appeared in 79 games with a .235 average, 6 HR, 25 RBI. Maile will be in his 9th year of MLB service in 2024. The Reds announced the transfer of LHP Nick Lodolo from his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League to Double-A Chattanooga.
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