Reds News: Jesse Winker's free agency ends, Cincy re-signs pair of 2024 backups

The Cincinnati Reds have added a number of players this winter, but most of their offseason additions have come through trades. The Reds added Brady Singer, Jose Trevino, and Gavin Lux all via trades.

Though the Reds do have some extra money to spend this offseason courtesy of the club's new TV deal, Cincinnati has yet to really invest in free agency. One of the Reds' perceived free agent targets is now off the board.

Reds News: Former OF Jesse Winker signs with NY Mets

Former Reds' outfielder Jesse Winker has a new contract with the New York Mets. Winker was said to be on the Reds' radar this offseason, but given Cincinnati's newfound emphasis on defense, it didn't seem like a good fit.

The former Reds' All-Star will be headed back to Queens on a one-year, $7.5 million deal after joining the Mets at last year's trade deadline. Winker greatly improved his value after signing a free agent deal with the Washington Nationals. Following two down-years with Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers, Winker hit .253/.360/.405 between the Nats and Mets last season.

Reds News: Austin Wynns re-signs with Cincy

The Reds needed some more depth behind the dish, and agreed to bring back one of their own. The Reds came to terms with free agent catcher Austin Wynns on a minor-league deal. Wynns spent the 2024 season as part of the Reds organization, but spent most of the year at Triple-A Louisville.

The veteran signed a split-contract last season with some added incentives, and will presumably receive a non-roster invite to Goodyear this spring. The Reds needed some added depth behind Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino, and Wynns provides just that.

Reds News: Utility outfielder Levi Jordan back on MiLB deal

In addition to Wynns, the Reds also brought back another familiar face. Levi Jordan, who made his major league debut in a Reds uniform last season, will be back with the club in 2025. According the Reds' transaction log, Jordan agreed to a minor-league with the Reds earlier this month.

Jordan is listed as an outfielder, but can play all over the diamond. During his brief seven-game stint with the Reds in 2024, Jordan logged just one hit while spending time in the corner outfield spots and second base. Though not a major signing, and definitely not the type of deal Reds fans want to see, it does bring some added depth and competition to spring training.

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