Cincinnati Reds: Five things we learned from the MLB Winter Meetings

CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 22: Head of baseball operations Dick Williams speaks after David Bell was introduced as the new manager for the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on October 22, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The 2019 MLB Winter Meetings have come and gone, and while the Cincinnati Reds emerged without a roster addition, we learned a few things as the offseason continues.

While I think it’s fair to say a lot of fans were expecting the Cincinnati Reds to have an intensified presence at the 2019 MLB Winter Meetings, the team left San Diego without an addition to the roster outside Mark Payton, who was selected in the Rule 5 Draft. Still, all is not lost, as the Winter Meetings are oftentimes an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future negotiations.

Don’t forget, the Reds made a big splash before the MLB Winter Meetings began. The first week of December saw Cincinnati add infielder Mike Moustakas to the team, signing the former Milwaukee Brewer to a four-year/$64M contract. Moustakas is expected to be installed as the Reds second baseman heading into 2020.

Though fans didn’t see any real movement at the Winter Meetings, the rumors were swirling all week. If it wasn’t a shortstop, it was an outfielder. If it wasn’t an outfielder, it was a reliever. It wasn’t a reliever, it was a starter. One thing’s for sure, the front office is not done making moves this offseason.

It’s easy to grow impatient after so much has been promised this offseason, but don’t forget that last winter’s blockbuster trade with Dodgers didn’t take place until after the Winter Meetings. So, what else did we learn during these last few days? Let’s take a look back and see if we can gain any idea about what the future holds for the Cincinnati Reds as the offseason presses forward.