Reds News: Cincy leaves Diamond Sports, backup catcher signed, AFL Fall Stars

The GM Meeting concluded this week, and the non-tender deadline is next up on the MLB offseason calendar. After laying the groundwork for some potential trades or signings this past week, Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall will now turn his attention to the existing roster.

Several players are non-tender candidates, and those names will be discussed in the coming weeks. Having already parted ways with Ty France, the Reds have saved an estimated $8 million from next year's payroll, but more cuts could be in order after the latest update following the Diamond Sports court proceedings.

Reds News: Diamond Sports is no longer Cincy's broadcast partner

The Reds will need to find a new television partner heading into next season. According to The Athletic (subscription required), court records reveal that the Reds are leaving Diamond Sports, which is the parent company of Bally Sports/ FanDuel Sports Network. The Reds will sell their stake in Diamond Sports for $1.

So what does that mean for the Reds and their fanbase? Well, it's unclear at the moment, but the most likely scenario would be for the Reds to have their games produced and televised by Major League Baseball. With the club's TV revenue now unknown, this could also affect the Reds' offseason spending.

Reds News: Catcher Alex Jackson agrees to minor-league contract

The Reds have a new backup catcher. Alex Jackson, who was part of the Tampa Bay Rays organization last season, signed a minor league contract with Cincinnati on Friday. Jackson spent most of the 2024 season with the Rays' minor league affiliate in Durham. The 28-year-old Jackson is a former first-round pick, but his major league stats leave a lot to the imagination. Jackson hit just .122/.201/.237 in 58 games last season.

The Reds declined Luke Maile's $3.5 million team option and have virtually no depth behind starting catcher Tyler Stephenson. Cincinnati will likely add at least one more backstop this offseason, but Jackson should be in Arizona with the Reds once spring training begins.

Reds News: Edwin Arroyo, Jose Acuña & Luis Mey named AFL Fall Stars

The Reds sent several players to the Arizona Fall League this year, and a number of them are producing. The annual Fall Stars Game will take place on Saturday, and three Reds prospects have made the team.

Shortstop Edwin Arroyo, and pitchers Jose Acuña and Luis Mey will represent the National League in the Fall Stars Game. Arroyo's is Cincinnati's top prospect in Arizona, but Mey has been arguably the most impressive Reds prospect during AFL play this year. In seven appearances, Mey has yet to allow a hit and has six saves and eight strikeouts.

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