Predicting 3 roster moves Reds will make before 2024 spring training

It's almost here, Reds fans! Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Goodyear, Arizona next week, and the position players won't be far behind. Before you know it, there'll be full squad workouts, Cactus League contests, and Opening Day to follow.

But, are the Cincinnati Reds ready to go? Though president of baseball operations Nick Krall and the Reds front office have done a terrific job of adding free agents this offseason, the roster still has a few holes.

While it's true that Krall previously said that most of the major moves are in the rear view mirror, he did not rule out some fringe signings, or perhaps even a trade. What three moves might fans expect the Reds to make before spring training begins next week?

Predicting 3 roster moves Reds will make before 2024 spring training

Reds sign another veteran starter to a minor-league deal

You can never have too much pitching, right? The Cincinnati Reds certainly proved that to be the case last season after blowing through 14 different starting pitchers. Nick Krall, however, saw the problem and acted this offseason.

The Reds rotation, which saw the likes of Luis Cessa, Connor Overton, and Brett Kennedy at varying points last season, is deeper than it's been in years. Cincinnati signed Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez during free agency, and the club expects several of their young pitchers to develop into frontline starters in 2024.

If you look at the roster as currently constructed, you could make the case that Montas, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft are locks to be part of the rotation on Opening Day. That final spot will likely come down to Martinez and last year's rookie Andrew Abbott. However, the Reds also have Lyon Richardson, Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips, Levi Stoudt, and Carson Spiers waiting in the wings as well.

But, adding another veteran starter with a somewhat proven track would be a wise investment. Quite frankly, having a pitcher like Ben Lively would've been perfect, but the Reds decided to part ways with the right-hander only to see him sign a free agent deal with the Cleveland Guardians.

Signing a player like Zach Davies, Julio Teherán, or even Chase Anderson would add some additional depth to the Reds' rotation, and provide some innings in the minor leagues when some of these other young pitchers are inevitably yo-yo'd back-and-forth between I-71 over the course of the 2024 season. Tyler Gilbert was signed to a minor-league contract earlier this offseason, but another starter couldn't hurt.