3 positions the Reds must address during free agency

3. The Cincinnati Reds must add a veteran starter in free agency.

Some fans will scoff at the idea of adding a veteran starting pitcher, but the Cincinnati Reds cannot go into the 2023 season with four second-year pitchers and a rookie. As it stands now, the Reds starting rotation would likely be comprised of Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Nick Lodolo, Connor Overton, and Brandon Williamson.

Obviously Justin Dunn and Luis Cessa could be in the mix, but neither was wildly effective as a starter in 2023. Dunn struggled with injuries, and it's very possible that Cessa could return to the bullpen. Levi Stoudt is also in the mix.

Last season, the Reds chose to trade for Mike Minor during the spring. With so many young arms in the rotation, the idea was that Minor could eat some innings and spare the young arms who've barely pitched more than 100 innings in a season.

That strategy backfired on the Reds in 2022, and while it's doubtful that Nick Krall will trade for an aging veteran starter who's owed $12M, the idea of adding an extra arm at low cost is probably be too good to pass up.

Some names to watch this offseason will be Ross Stripling, Jordan Lyles, and maybe even Chase Anderson. While showcasing the farm system's pitching depth is important, the club will surely keep a close watch on pitch count heading into next season. Look for the Cincinnati Reds to sign at least one veteran starting pitcher before 2023.