MLB insider hints at All-Star addition with Reds rumored to pursue 'premium player'

The Cincinnati Reds have been rather frugal this offseason, but that's hardly surprising to anyone who's paid attention to the team's spending habits the past few seasons. The Reds are not known as big spenders, oftentimes waiting until the dust has settled in order to feast on the retreads and has-beens left on the free agent market.

But MLB insider Buster Olney of ESPN foresees a change happening this year. During his appearance on The Michael Kay Show this week, Olney expressed his belief that the Reds could now be in the market for a 'premium player' after agreeing to their new TV deal with FanDuel Sports Network.

Reds Rumors: Jurickson Profar or another premium player could be on Cincy's radar

Olney mentioned two names during his guest appearances with Kay — Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar. Though Olney doesn't believe that the Reds have the appetite for the type of contract it's going to take to secure Santander's services, the fact that he looped Profar's name into the mix is very intriguing.

Profar is arguably the second-best outfielder remaining on the free agent market behind Santander. After agreeing to a one-year, $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres last offseason, Profar put up the best numbers of his career. The veteran outfielder hit .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI. Profar swiped 10 bags in 2024. He was among the best in baseball in chase rate (21.9%), strikeout rate (15.1%), and walk rate (11.4%).

The Reds have a glaring hole in the outfield at the moment. The trio of Spencer Steer, TJ Frield, and Jake Fraley is solid, but unspectacular. Adding a veteran bat like Profar would be a welcome sight in Cincinnati. MLB Trade Rumors predicts Profar would be able to sign a three-year, $45 million contract, which would put him right in line with last year's big free agent addition — Jeimer Candelario.

Profar is a client of Scott Boras, and everyone knows he's not going to give an inch in negotiations. Profar is coming off a career-year and entering his age 32 season, meaning Boras is going to squeeze every penny possible out of the team who eventually signs the outfielder this offseason.

If it's not Profar, Olney sounded confident that Cincinnati would come to terms with at least one more big-name free agent this offseason. But the well is drying up. If it's a not a bat like Profar, perhaps it's a reliever. The Reds have been linked to Carlos Estévez already this offseason.

Will Cincinnati finally go out and find a major free agent addition this offseason? While Olney believes the answer is yes, the rest of Reds Country has their doubts.

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