MLB expansion and relocation has been a hot topic around the league of late. The Athletics left Oakland this past season and will play the next few years in Sacramento before landing in Las Vegas. There hasn't been an expansion franchise since the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays joined Major League Baseball in the late-1990s.
A number of cities have thrown their hat into the ring as the perfect landing spot for one of two new franchises that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hopes to have in place once the A's and Rays settle their stadium disputes.
Reds News: Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin hopes to bring MLB expansion to Orlando
Cities like Austin, Texas, Raleigh, North Carolina, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nashville, Tennessee have been tossed about as some of the most likely destinations for MLB expansion. But former Cincinnati Reds shortstop and Hall of Famer Barry Larkin is hoping to bring baseball to his adopted hometown in central Florida.
Larkin has joined the Orlando Dreamers as MLB ambassador with hopes of bringing big league baseball to the Happiest Place on Earth. We'll see if having Larkin's name attached to the city's aspirations helps bring a third team to the Sunshine State.
Reds News: Cincinnati re-signs catcher P.J. Higgins to minor-league deal
P.J. Higgins was part of the Reds organization last season, and the catcher will be given a second chance to showcase his talents in 2025. According to the Louisville Bats transaction log, Higgins signed a minor-league deal with the Reds that presumably includes an invite to spring training.
Higgins has 83 games of big league experience after spending two years with the Chicago Cubs (2021-2022). The 31-year-old spent last season at Triple-A Louisville while hitting .259/.320/.385 in 134 games split between catcher, first and third base, and also as the team's designated hitter. Higgins will be insurance alongside Austin Wynns with Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino expected to break camp as the Reds' top two options behind the dish.
Reds News: NL Central rival interested in trade for Padres starter Dylan Cease
The Reds may be done making moves this offseason, but the Cubs still have their sights set on improving their roster. According to MLB insider and New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, the Cubs are involved in trade talks with the San Diego Padres for starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
This would be a game-changer and easily vault Chicago to the front of the line in the NL Central. Thankfully for Reds fans, the Cubs are not alone. The New York Mets are said to in talks with the Friars as well, and according to Heyman, may have a better trade package to offer San Diego. This is definitely a story worth keeping an eye on in the coming days and weeks leading up to the 2025 season.