The Reds offseason, unfortunately, is unfolding as expected

Nobody said it was going to be easy. The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a rebuild, and while other franchises make big-money additions through free agency, Nick Krall has mostly stood pat.

Sure, the Reds did the one thing that needed to be done this offseason with the addition of Luke Maile. The University of Kentucky alum will back up catcher Tyler Stephenson in 2023.

But otherwise, it's been a relatively quiet offseason for Krall and the Reds front office. Did you really expect anything more?

The Reds offseason, unfortunately, is unfolding as expected.

Unfortunately, this is the position the Cincinnati Reds have put themselves in. After all, where ya gonna go? All kidding aside, the Reds embraced the beginning of a rebuild shortly after the 2021 season concluded, doubled-down last spring, and waved the white flag at the trade deadline.

Cincinnati waived Wade Miley and traded Tucker Barnhart. The Reds then dealt Amir Garrett, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez, and Sonny Gray before the season. There was also no effort to retain Nick Castellanos. The club then traded Tyler Naquin, Tyler Mahle, Luis Castillo, Tommy Pham, and Brandon Drury. Finally, Kyle Farmer was sent packing just a few weeks ago.

Heading into next season, Cincinnati has just two players (Joey Votto and Mike Moustakas) under contract. The rebuild is in full effect, and it seem unlikely that the Reds will take on any additional salary heading into 2024. Any free agent contracts doled out this winter will be of the one-year variety or have a club/ mutual-option attached to it.

Now, there have been rumors of a potential reunion with former All-Star Johnny Cueto. That shouldn't come as a surprise as the Reds look to bolster their starting rotation. Cincinnati has also been rumored to be shopping some of their young, talented shortstops while looking to add a young, talented outfielder.

While it may be painful for the fanbase at the moment, this offseason has unfolded as expected. Reds Country should expect to see little more than a handful of minor league signings in the coming weeks and perhaps a trade or two, but most of the players who'll be on the Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster are already in the fold.