Jeff Passan’s harsh critique of Reds’ Winter Meetings effort echoes fan frustration

To call the Cincinnati Reds' performance (or lack thereof) at the Winter Meetings a disappointment would be an understatement. The Reds acquired no players, failing to make a trade, signing, or even a pick in the Rule 5 Draft. Oh, but they did lose Roddery Muñoz to the Houston Astros in the latter event.

Their biggest "highlight" was coming up short in the Kyle Schwarber negotiations, ultimately offering about $25 million less than the $150 million that got the Ohio native to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies.

As such, it should be no surprise that ESPN's Jeff Passan called the Reds his biggest loser of the week.

Reds slammed by ESPN's Jeff Passan for missing out on Kyle Schwarber at Winter Meetings

"Free agents of Schwarber's ilk rarely entertain the idea of going to small-market teams, but the Reds had a built-in advantage: He was from there," Passan wrote. "They had the money to place the largest bid. They chose not to. And they missed, a true shame considering the strength of their rotation and the likelihood that similar opportunities won't find them again anytime soon."

To add insult to injury, Passan named the Los Angeles Dodgers — the team who swept the Reds out of the postseason — as his biggest winner, citing their blockbuster signing of All-Star closer Edwin Diaz. It certainly wasn't the week Reds fans were hoping for, but the offseason is far from over. Re-signing Emilio Pagan to a two-year deal cannot be the biggest move the team makes this offseason (hopefully).

The need for a power-hitting bat in the middle of Terry Francona's lineup still exists. A left fielder who fits that profile would be ideal -- Jarren Duran, anyone? -- though there is enough fluidity and flexibility within the roster to buy a DH-first type like Schwarber.

If it comes down to a trade, the Reds have the pitching depth and upper-level prospect talent to make a blockbuster deal, though that may be less preferable than just spending money on a notable free agent. Players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette are undoubtedly off the table, though perhaps a reunion with Eugenio Suárez could fix what's ailing Cincinnati.

After a tough go of it at the Winter Meetings, the Reds have three months to reset and address their needs with plenty of players still on the board. Reds fans are hoping the next few weeks won't be as gloomy as the team's past one in Orlando.