Reds News: Gleyber Torres connection, Nats sign MiLB pitcher, nagging budget concerns

The Cincinnati Reds' offseason is beginning to look a lot like the team's 2024 campaign — a lot of swings and misses. Outside of hiring Terry Francona to be the Reds' new manager, Cincinnati has done little to nothing this winter.

Yes, the club traded Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals to help secure some much needed depth in their rotation, and adding Jose Trevino gives Cincinnati a reliable backup catcher, but several holes still remain. It seems as though the Reds have been interested in signing or trading for a number of players, only to come up empty-handed.

Reds News: Cincy was interested in Gleyber Torres before he signed with the Tigers

The latest whiff from the Reds' front office is former New York Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres. The two-time All-Star inked a one-year prove it deal with the Detroit Tigers shortly after the Christmas holiday, but the Reds were said to be one of several teams who were in the running as well.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Reds, Cleveland Guardians, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Washington Nationals, and Toronto Blue Jays were all interested in Torres' services. In the end, Torres chose the Tigers and will be the team's starting second baseman in 2025.

Reds News: Former MiLB pitcher Patrick Weigel signs with Nationals

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with Patrick Weigel on a minor-league deal. It's assumed that the contract includes an invite to spring training in Palm Beach, Florida next year.

Weigel didn't pitch in the big leagues last season, but the right-hander was part of the Reds' organization. The journeyman hurler began the year in the Mexican League before joining the Chattanooga Lookouts in mid-July. Weigel also pitched for the Louisville Bats last season, and finished the year with a combined 2.45 ERA in 22 innings of work in the Reds' minor leagues.

Reds News: Cincy continues to pinch pennies this offseason

Reds fans have become accustom to the organization not spending money on high-dollar free agents, but several of the contracts signed this offseason appear to be within Cincinnati's price range. But Nick Krall's comments paint a grim picture moving forward.

"They have to fit in the budget first," Krall said to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "We have to adhere to that." Though Krall hasn't elaborated on the team's financial constraints, Reds' COO Doug Healy said earlier this offseason that the team will maintain payroll levels at or above 2024. The Reds' current payroll projections have them in that slightly above category.

The Reds seem to be doing, well, Reds-like things and will likely continue to wait out the market until the free agent prices come down. There are still a number of top free agent bats and arms that would certainly bolster Cincinnati's chances in 2025. Names like Randal Grichuk, Buck Farmer, and Jesse Winker are still available in free agency.

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