Reds have shown interest in this free agent starter as MLB Winter Meetings heat up

As the MLB Winter Meetings heat up, the Reds rumors are sure to flow. The latest nugget from the New York Post's Jon Heyman mentioned the Cincinnati Reds as a possible suitor for right-handed starting pitcher Seth Lugo.

The Reds are, of course, not alone in their pursuit of Lugo. Heyman also mentions the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves as potential landing destinations for the free agent.

The Reds have already bolstered the rotation with Lugo's former teammate Nick Martinez and have also added relief pitcher Emilio Pagán. Lugo, however, won't come cheap.

Reds rumors: Cincinnati has shown interest in Seth Lugo

Seth Lugo went reliever to starter in 2023, and the results speak for themselves. The 34-year-old was 8-7 in 26 starts with a 3.57 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 146 innings of work. Lugo owned a WHIP of 1.203 and walked only 36 batters all season.

These latest Reds rumors would suggest the president of baseball operations isn't done adding. Previous rumors have linked the Reds to starters like Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber, both of whom are said to be available via trade this offseason.

FanSided's Robert Murray had previously spoken about the large number of teams who are interested in signing Seth Lugo, saying that more than half the league has checked in on the right-handed hurler. Murray also estimates that Lugo could sign a three-year or even a four-year contract this offseason.

MLB Trade Rumors predicted, before free agency began, that Lugo would land a three-year/$42-million contract. That average annual value (AAV) is in the neighborhood of what the Cincinnati Reds will be paying for Nick Martinez over the next two seasons.

Cincinnati has money to spend, and these latest Reds rumors should lead fans to believe that the club is not done adding. One more starter would all be solidify the team's rotation heading into 2024, and quite honestly, would amp up the competition for a spot on the Opening Day roster this coming spring.