Dizzying free agent prices justify Reds' focus to improve the roster through trades

If the Cincinnati Reds are going to improve the roster heading into the 2025 season, don't expect it come by way of free agency. The market has exploded this offseason, and it's not just the Juan Soto's of the world who are getting paid big bucks.

Obviously Soto was the big winner this winter after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. But that was only the beginning. Since the Soto deal, players like Willy Adames (seven-year, $182 million), Max Fried, (eight-year, $218 million), and Blake Snell (five-year, $182 million) have signed huge free agent contracts.

But it's not just the top-tier free agents who are striking it rich this offseason. Sean Manaea (three-year, $75 million), Tyler O'Neill (three-year, $49.5 million), and Christian Walker (three-year, $60 million) are signing deals with an average annual value (AAV) of at least $17 million. Even Joc Pederson, who's a glorified platoon DH, inked a two-year, $37 million deal with the Texas Rangers.

Nick Krall & the Reds have no choice but to build the roster through trades

The Cincinnati Reds cannot afford to compete with the big-market ball clubs. Sure, Cincinnati could dole out a three-year, $75 million deal to Teoscar Hernández, but that will effectively take up 25% of the team's payroll and aspirations of extending Tyler Stephenson, Andrew Abbott, and others will immediately go out the window. The Reds aren't built that way.

However, the Reds do have a plethora of talented prospects, and despite trading Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati still has some redundancy on the the 40-man roster from which to strike a deal.

Reds' President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has maintained that improving the roster through trades has proven difficult this offseason due to the expected return. While prospects are usually tremendous compensation, teams are reportedly more focused on receiving major league-ready talent this winter. That's exactly why Reds fans have heard names like Alexis Díaz and Spencer Steer whispered about in trade talks.

As the free agent market quiets down, there's a chance that Cincinnati could take a flier on a player who's gotten lost in the shuffle. Maybe someone like Randal Grichuk, Michael A. Taylor, or Jakob Junis loses steam on the open market and settles for a one-year 'prove it' deal with the Reds. Otherwise, look for Krall and Co. to continue to make calls and attempt to improve the roster through trades.

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