Reds Winter Meetings 2024: Everything fans need to know about annual event

Buckle up, folks! The MLB Winter Meetings begin next week, and if Juan Soto's supposed $600-plus million deal ever gets signed, the other 27 teams who aren't in the mix for the superstar outfielder can finally start to make some free agent signings.

The MLB Winter Meetings are an exciting time for baseball fans. No, nothing will take place on the on the field, but the business-side of baseball will be on full display next week and fans love juicy tidbits, trade rumors, and blockbuster free agent signings. While some will argue to the contrary, it's fair to say that there's more drama during the MLB offseason then there is during the regular season.

MLB Winter Meetings 2024: What are the Reds going to do?

Last year, the Cincinnati Reds made a pair of free agent signings before the MLB Winter Meetings began. Both Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagán agreed to contract prior to MLB's annual event and shortly after the meetings concluded in San Diego last December, the Reds inked Jeimer Candelario to a three-year deal.

This year the Reds will head to Dallas on the heels of an early-offseason trade with the Kansas City Royals. Cincinnati shipped fan-favorite Jonathan India to the Show Me State in exchange for starter Brady Singer. More recently, the Reds have been linked to Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet.

The Reds are said to be interested in finding a hitter, and preferably an outfielder. Despite trading India, the Reds' infield is still overflowing talent. That said, third base is still a question mark heading next season.

MLB Winter Meetings 2024: Location, schedule, MLB Draft Lottery, Rule 5 Draft

This year's MLB Winter Meetings will take place in Dallas, Texas. Krall and Co., and probably owner Bob Castellini, will descend on North Texas early next week. The meetings officially begin on Monday, December 9th and all 30 teams will close up shop sometime during the afternoon on Thursday, December 12th.

As part of the festivities, the MLB Draft Lottery will take place on Tuesday, December 10th at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Reds currently have a 3.67% chance to secure the top overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, which is higher than their chances were last winter. Cincinnati was able to jump several spots thanks to the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery and found themselves picking No. 2 overall last July. Will fortune favor the Reds once again this December?

The final event of the MLB Winter Meetings is the Rule 5 Draft. After the Reds added Luis Mey and Tyler Callihan to the 40-man roster last month, Cincinnati protected two of their most valuable Rule 5-eligible players. Jose Acuña will be a name to watch on Wednesday afternoon The right-hander had a solid season in the minors, and another organization could decide to take a flier on the former New York Mets' farmhand.

Grab a seat, Reds fans. The MLB Winter Meetings are always filled with drama, and this year's festivities will likely be no exception.

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