What can the Cincinnati Reds do to get better? Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has a busy offseason ahead of him after Cincinnati went 77-85 to finish fourth in the NL Central. The team showed flashes of greatness at times, but clearly there is more to be done.
After the latest deal that brought Kansas City Royals right-handed starter Brady Singer to the Reds in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India, Cincinnati appears to be beefing up their roster to contend in 2025. But the Reds still have two glaring blemishes in their depth chart. The Reds are desperate for a catcher, but Cincinnati also needs a top-notch outfielder.
Red Sox Gold Glove winner Wilyer Abreu would be a perfect fit in Reds' outfield
Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu capped off an electric first full season in the big leagues with 33 doubles and 15 home runs. However, the 25-year-old's biggest selling point is his defense. If the Reds want to further bolster an outfield that has Spencer Steer and TJ Friedl, a trade package that lands Abreu with the Reds would be optimal for this franchise.
Abreu's 17 defensive runs saved (DRS) in right field and seven outs above average (OAA) led all players at the position this past season, allowing him to secure a Gold Glove as the lone rookie to earn the honor in the American League.
Though Abreu made seven errors, he more than made up for it by registering a league-high nine outfield assists. Of the 132 games he played in, 125 came in right field, including some highlight web gems that made Abreu one of Boston's fan favorites.
It seems like the Red Sox are willing to shop Abreu this offseason. Red Sox relievers had a 4.39 ERA in 2024, which was 24th in all of baseball. Boston needs an arm out of then pen, and with so many young pitchers on the roster, the Reds might be able to meet the Red Sox's demands.