Reds News: Matt McLain's role post-trade, key reliever non-tendered, Kyle Farmer

The Cincinnati Reds made a difficult transaction on Friday night. After nearly a week of discussion, the Reds finalized a trade that sent fan-favorite Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-hander Brady Singer.

Though it's difficult to see the Reds part with such a beloved player like India, it was becoming increasingly obvious that Cincinnati had too many infielders on the roster. The Royals were looking for leadoff hitter and the Reds needed another starter, so the trade would seem to fill a need for both clubs. Singer will no doubt be part of the Reds starting rotation in 2025.

Reds News: Matt McLain ready to take over at second base

Last season was a disappointing one for Matt McLain. Arguably the Reds best player in 2023, McLain suffered a shoulder injury in spring training that sidelined him for months. As he tried to work his way back in August, McLain's hopes of a return to the active roster vanished after he suffered an oblique injury which effectively ended his sophomore season.

McLain spent the past month-and-a-half in the Arizona Fall League, and though he saw time at various positions, with India now gone, McLain is expected to take over at second base in 2025. According to Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, "He’s going to get a normal offseason, come into spring training and hopefully be ready to go." While India made improvements defensively in 2024, McLain is expected to be an upgrade at the keystone next season.

Reds News: Reliever Ian Gibaut non-tendered

In a somewhat surprising move, the Reds non-tendered right-handed reliever Ian Gibaut ahead of Friday's deadline. After an injury-plagued season in 2024, the move was not completely unexpected, but Gibaut was a key member of the Reds bullpen in 2023.

The 31-year-old returned at the end of the 2024 season and saw action in two games. Gibaut logged two innings of work and allowed one run on three hits with a strikeout. Gibaut was in line to receive a raise through arbitration this season but is now a free agent. Santiago Espinal received a one-year deal, and the other six Reds players up for arbitration this winter were tendered a contract. Cincinnati's 40-man roster now stands at 37.

Reds News: Former infielder Kyle Farmer signs with Colorado Rockies

Kyle Farmer has a new home. The former Reds infielder signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. Farmer had spent the past two years with the Minnesota Twins after being traded following the 2022 season.

Farmer spent four seasons in Cincinnati. The former catcher turned shortstop became a fan-favorite in Queen City after showing grit and toughness night in and night out. Farmer was a key contributor for the Twins in 2023, but saw his numbers take quite the dip last season. Farmer hit just .214/.293/.353 in 2024 and became expendable. After splitting most of his career between shortstop and third base, Farmer is likely to see time at second base after Colorado non-tendered Brendan Rodgers on Friday night.

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