Reds fans bemoan lack of additions despite over $100 million spent in free agency

Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball of Baseball Operations Nick Krall is learning that despite spending over $100 million in free agency, you can't please everybody. The Reds have added infielder Jeimer Candelario, starters Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez, as well as relief pitchers Buck Farmer Emilio Pagán.

According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Krall said the team is likely done with major signings. Rosecrans asked a follow up question regarding a potential trade, and Krall said he doesn't see any major moves at this point heading into spring training.

This news didn't sit well with a portion of the Cincinnati faithful who feel like the Reds haven't done enough to contend in 2024. Several Reds fans have been longing all offseason to see the team add a frontline starter, while others still desire a right-handed hitting outfielder.

Reds likely done making "major moves" this offseason

Quite honestly, I'm not sure what more Reds fans can expect from Nick Krall. Cincinnati's top executive has been aggressive this offseason. No, the Reds were unsuccessful in their rumored attempt to trade for Tyler Glasnow, and Cincinnati came up short during their pursuit of former pitchers Sonny Gray and Wade Miley. But if you can't see the improvements that Krall and Co. have made this offseason, it's time to take the bliders off.

The Reds biggest shortcoming in 2023 was the team's lack of pitching depth. Outside of adding reliever Sam Moll at the trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds stood pat. The Redlegs were banking on the return of Nick Lodolo and the continued health of their other young starters. Unfortunately, Lodolo missed almost all of last season, Hunter Greene found his way to the IL multiple times, and Graham Ashcraft missed the final month of his sophomore campaign.

So now, instead of Michael Mariot, Randy Wynne, and Brett Kennedy receiving starts in 2024, the Reds have added depth to their rotation. In addition to Lodolo, Greene, and Ashcraft, both Nick Martinez and Frankie Montas will be part of Cincinnati's starting rotation. There's also last year's rookies; Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips will all be part of the competition for a spot in the rotation once spring training gets underway.

The Reds do not need a right-handed power-hitting outfielder

While the Cincinnati Reds have shored up their starting rotation and bullpen through free agency, but still some fans are not content with the starting lineup. Sorry folks, but that should be the least of your concerns.

Could the Reds benefit from a Nick Senzel-type of signing that would give them a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Jake Fraley and Will Benson next season? Sure. And Nick Krall did mention that the team may look to add another reliever or bench bat this winter. But the Reds lineup is already good enough without adding a right-handed hitting power-bat to join the outfield.

The Cincinnati Reds are not lacking for power. Are they able to go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Phillies or the Atlanta Braves? Maybe not. But I'll take the power of Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand over any other lineup in the NL Central right now.

Steer led the Reds with 23 homers a year ago. If CES spent the entire 162-game season in Cincinnati last season, Baseball-Reference predicts he would've crushed 33 round-trippers. De La Cruz, as everyone saw last season, has unlimited power. Even TJ Friedl, who's not a home run hitter, had 18 big flies in 2023. A player with average power can turn into a slugger when half their games are played at Great American Ball Park.

If the biggest hole in the Cincinnati Reds lineup happens to be the No. 9 spot in the batting order when Stuart Fairchild gets the call against a left-handed starter, sign me up.

The Cincinnati Reds won 82 games last season. The team then turned around and spent money this offseason with an eye toward competing for the division crown in 2024, and did so without giving up a single prospect. Stop complaining and get excited, Reds Country!