MLB Network heaps praise on Reds' offseason moves [video]

The Cincinnati Reds, outside of a few smaller moves, may be done spending this offseason. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said yesterday, after Frankie Montas' signing was made official, that he didn't foresee any major moves heading into spring training.

With that, it would appear as though the Reds' roster reconstruction projection is finished. Sure, there might be a few things left on the punch list, for all intents and purposes, the 40-man roster is set.

While the Reds fanbase continues to debate amongst themselves about whether or not Cincinnati's front office has done enough to compete in 2024, the pundits on MLB Network absolutely love what Krall and Company have done this offseason.

MLB Network personality calls the Reds "dangerous" heading into 2024

MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds were opining about the Cincinnati Reds' offseason signings, and both agreed that Nick Krall has done well this offseason. Reynolds went as far as to call the Reds "dangerous" and "a juggernaut". Vasgersian didn't go that far, but did compliment Cincinnati on their offseason acquisitions, while also calling into question the rest of the NL Central's lack of moves this winter.

The Reds have signed four pitchers (Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Buck Farmer) as well as infielder Jeimer Candelario. No, none of those moves are going to blow your socks off, but Krall's approach this offseason has been very shrewd.

Cincinnati blew up the roster prior to 2022, restocked the farm system through the draft and trades, and overachieved in 2023. Now, Krall and the Reds front office are adding low-risk/ high-upside players on short-term deals in an effort to bolster the roster while also not blocking the young prospects from finding their way into bigger roles heading into 2024 and beyond.

Is there still room for improvement? Of course. Vasgersian even pitched the idea of the Reds adding Rhys Hoskins or Cody Bellinger. The Cincinnati faithful know that's not going to happen, but it's fun to dream about.

Reynolds, however, hit on a very good point. With Joey Votto's contract now off the books, the Cincinnati Reds have unbelievable payroll flexibility. If players like Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and others are part of the Reds long-term future, the team is going to have to pay up.

Jeimer Candelario's contract is the only one that represents a "longer-term" commitment on the part of the Reds, and his deal is up after 2026. The aforementioned trio of last year's rookies will just be entering Year 1of their arbitration window when Candelario is in the final year of his deal.