What would a perfect offseason look like for Reds?

The Cincinnati Reds offseason got off to a terrific start already, but there's more to building a competitive team than just hiring a future Hall of Fame manager — though that will clearly help.

Replacing David Bell with Terry Francona is a major upgrade, but the Reds have been stuck in neutral for the better part of a decade. Cincinnati hasn't been to the MLB Postseason since 2014, and that was a one-and-done exit. If the Reds hope to make a return to October baseball next season, the front office's moves during the offseason are crucial to the team's success.

What would a perfect offseason look like for Reds?

Trade for a starting-caliber outfielder...maybe Heston Kjerstad

This has been on the Reds' wishlist for the past few seasons. Ever since Jesse Winker was traded and Nick Castellanos left in free agency, the Reds' roster has been void of a power-hitting outfielder. Moving Spencer Steer to left field last season helped declutter the infield, but the former Minnesota Twins farmhand is not a true outfielder.

The Reds are not going to get into a bidding war for the like of Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander. That's not their style. But Cincinnati could, and should, attempt to upgrade the outfield through a trade. The market is ripe with options, but a player like Baltimore Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad could be a name to watch. JJ Bleday and Lawrence Butler of the Athletics should also be on the Reds' radar.

Sign Tyler Stephenson & Elly De La Cruz to long-term contracts

It's time for the Reds' ownership to show the fans in Cincinnati that they're ready to win, and in order to do so, you've got to keep your homegrown talent. Both Tyler Stephenson and Elly De La Cruz proved in 2024 that they are part of the core, and it's time to reward them with long-term contracts.

Stephenson's deal doesn't have to be complicated. The longtime Reds' backstop could sign a deal worth about $8-$10 million per season over five years and it would be over and done with. De La Cruz's deal is bit trickier being that he's a mega-star who could see a Juan Soto-like contract if he continues on his current trajectory and reaches free agency. The Reds will never fork out what it'll take to keep him if he hits the open market, so Cincinnati must strike a deal this winter.

Keep adding arms to the rotation & the bullpen

The Reds, either through trades or free agency, need to load up with pitching. Brent Suter has already re-signed, and Nick Martinez accepted the qualifying offer. But the Reds' rotation only goes five, maybe six deep. With Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar out for the 2025 season, Cincinnati's front office would be wise to add at least one more starter.

If the Reds can add an outfield bat, secure some extra arms, and sign both Stephenson and De La Cruz for the long haul, it will be a near perfect offseason for Krall and Co.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors