Reds Rumors: Nick Pivetta update, All-Star slugger on Cincy's radar, Garrett Crochet

The MLB Winter Meetings are over, and while the Cincinnati Reds didn't make any moves, there were plenty of rumors. The Reds were linked to numerous major leaguers, but no transactions were made.

One of the most peculiar rumors involved the Reds and free agent pitcher Nick Pivetta. The right-hander spent past four-plus seasons with the Boston Red Sox, but he's far from a frontline starter. To make matters more complicated, Pivetta was slapped with a qualifying offer this winter, meaning the Reds would have to sacrifice a draft pick in order to sign him. Is Cincinnati really interested in signing the 31-year-old Canadian?

Reds Rumors: Latest on the pursuit of Nick Pivetta

The Reds aren't the only team interested in Pivetta. The New York Mets scheduled a meeting with Pivetta as they look to rebuild their starting rotation. New York has lost Sean Manaea and Luis Severino this offseason, but the Mets have signed former Reds' pitcher Frankie Montas.

The Red Sox were interested in keeping Pivetta in Beantown, but that was before they added Garrett Crochet earlier this week. Given Crochet's inexpensive contract next season, there's a chance that the Red Sox could still look to reunite with Pivetta.

Reds Rumors: Cincy has 'checked in' on Teoscar Hernández

The Reds have reportedly 'checked in' on a number of players, but a new name was added to the list this week, and it's a big one. According to Dodgers' reporter Doug McKain, the Reds are one of several teams to have kicked the tires on All-Star slugger Teoscar Hernández.

Don't get too excited, Reds fans. The most likely scenario for Hernández is a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies are interested too. Hernández to Cincinnati feels like a pipe dream, but it's definitely worth a phone call.

Reds Rumors: Garrett Crochet had five teams vying for his services

When the dust finally settled, the Red Sox emerged victorious in the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes. Boston sent a pricey prospect package to the South Side in exchange for the All-Star, and in the end, that was the deal that the White Sox liked the best. But it wasn't the only one they received.

The Reds had been linked to Crochet for the better part of a week, and it looked as if Cincinnati was one of the biggest threats to secure the left-hander's services. In addition to the Reds and Red Sox, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Phillies, Yankees, and Atlanta Braves were also in the hunt. It's not known what type of package the Reds put together, but this report — coupled with Cincinnati's interest in Pivetta — seems to indicate they're not done adding to the rotation.

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