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Everything you need to know about the Winter Meetings and who the Reds might target

How will Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall approach the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings?

By Drew Koch|
Cincinnati Reds General Manager Nick Krall
Cincinnati Reds General Manager Nick Krall | Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

MLB Winter Meetings FAQ

  1. What are the MLB Winter Meetings?
  2. Who will the Reds target at the MLB Winter Meetings?
  3. Will the Reds make any trades at the MLB Winter Meetings?
  4. When is the Rule 5 Draft?

Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall will head into the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings with a rather large to-do list. The Reds were knocking on the door of the playoffs last season, but came up just short during the final week of the season.

Thankfully, the upcoming Winter Meetings provide the perfect setting for Krall to chat with fellow executives, converse with some agents, and perhaps, bring a few new faces into the fold.

What are the MLB Winter Meetings?

The MLB Winter Meetings happen every year, typically in December, and offer major league executives, owners, players, and agents an opportunity to conduct offseason business such as free agent signings and trades.

The Cincinnati Reds' trip to San Diego last year didn't yield many transactions. With the club in the midst of a rebuild, Reds fans weren't treated to many blockbuster signings or trades.

Last year's Winter Meetings, however, helped pave the way for Justin Verlander (New York Mets) and Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) to sign their free agent contracts. Perhaps this year, Cincinnati will walk away with a big-name signing as well.

Who will the Reds target at the MLB Winter Meetings?

Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. That's what should be on the Cincinnati Reds shopping list once the MLB Winter Meetings begin.

The Reds have a bevy of young starters. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott all look the part. However, none of those six pitchers have eclipsed 150 innings in the big leagues.

The Reds need to a top-of-the-rotation starter. While top-dollar aces like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery might cost a bit too much for the Redlegs, there are others like Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Wacha who could slot into the rotation.

Will the Reds make any trades at the MLB Winter Meetings?

The Cincinnati Reds are said to be very active in the trade market. Cincinnati has already been rumored to be targeting a few frontline starters.

The Reds have been kicking the tires on a possible trade for Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, and are also said to be interested in swinging a deal for Cleveland Guardians right-hander, and former Cy Young Award-winner Shane Bieber.

When is the Rule 5 Draft?

The Rule 5 Draft is typically held on the final day of the MLB Winter Meetings. Any players who meet certain criteria and have been left off their team's 40-man roster could be selected.

This past month, the Cincinnati Reds added Rece Hinds, Christian Roa, and Jacob Hurtubise to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. However, there are a few other players who could selected.

The MLB Winter Meetings are the unofficial start of the offseason. While a few deals have already been made, this is when the Hot Stove really begins to heat up.

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