MLB insider suggests Reds' biggest need isn't the one fans have been obsessing over

If there's one thing that every Cincinnati Reds fan can agree upon, it's that this year's team does not need another infielder. The Reds cleared a spot earlier this offseason after trading Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals, only to reverse course and backfill his spot with the addition of Gavin Lux.

While there's an argument to be made for adding a third baseman, the Reds have some servicable players who can lace 'em up and play the hot corner in 2025. While not ideal, one of Noelvi Marte, Jeimer Candelario, Spencer Steer, or Santiago Espinal can handle the rigors of playing third base.

But the outfield is a different story. Reds fans have been lamenting the team's lack of outfield depth for what seems like forever. The Reds have tried the likes of Tommy Pham, Wil Myers, Austin Slater, and others over the past three seasons with little to no success.

MLB insider suggests Reds' biggest need isn't the outfield

But while Reds fans continue to wait for the Reds' front office to make a big splash in free agency or a blockbuster trade to acquire a talented outfielder, MLB insider Mark Feinsand believes Cincinnati will go in a different direction.

Feinsand cites the extra cash on hand that the Reds' new TV deal could provide, but doesn't see the organization investing in the outfield market. While he certainly understands the need, Feinsand revealed that acquiring a top-tier relief pitcher might be more realistic.

As currently constructed, the Reds bullpen certainly has a number of holes. After trading away the reliable Fernando Cruz and failing to re-sign Buck Farmer, Cincy's current relief corps is comprised of Alexis Díaz, Brent Suter, Emilio Pagán, and Sam Moll. But outside of those four, there are a lot of question marks.

The Reds bullpen is shaky at best

Tony Santillan has shown flashes in the past, but injuries have been a concern. Yosver Zulueta throws gas, but control has been a problem for the young right-hander. The trio of Carson Spiers, Lyon Richardson, and Casey Legumina have been little more than depth pieces to this point in their careers. Reds coaches expect great things from Luis Mey and Zach Maxwell, but neither has set foot on a major league mound.

The relief market has been somewhat untouched this offseason. Cincinnati is unlikely to go after Tanner Scott, but they've already been linked to former Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez. Other names like Jakob Junis, Andrew Chafin, and José Leclerc could pique the Reds' interest as well.

Cincinnati's outfield is questionable, but Reds fans can't overlook the bullpen's shortcomings either. Perhaps transforming the likes of Graham Ashcraft or Connor Phillips into a reliever would be a suitable substitute for a free agent addition this offseason, but there are enough talented pitchers available on the open market who carry far less risk.

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