December 26: OFMinor League deal signed by Conner CapelAn invitation to the big league camp at Spring Training is part of the arrangement for Capel. He played 32 games for Oakland in 2023, hitting.260 with a.701 OPS, although he spent the majority of that year with the A’s Triple-A team.
Dec. 21: RHP Brooks Kriske accepted an invitation to Spring Training and signed a deal with the MinorsKriske, 29, is named after Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, and the Reds acquired potential depth in bullpen. The right-hander pitched with the Yankees, Orioles, and Royals during portions of three major league seasons, including four bullpen appearances for Kansas City in 2023. In 20 appearances, he had an 11.22 ERA.
December 19: OFThe Giants acquired TJ Hopkins.In exchange for Hopkins, who hit.171 without a home run in 25 games as a rookie in 2023, the Reds will receive cash or a player to be named later. Cincinnati set him aside for assignment on December 14.
Dec. 14: TJ Hopkins, OF, was assigned; Austin Wynns, catcher, was signed to a one-year contract.If Wynns reaches the big league team in 2024, he will receive $950,000 from his split contract; if he plays for Triple-A Louisville, he would receive $300,000. In addition to former Cubs catcher P.J. Higgins, who is headed to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee on a Minor League contract, Cincinnati already has catchers Tyler Stephenson and Luke Maile on the 40-man roster.
The signing of Wynns means that the Reds won’t have three catchers on their 26-man active roster like they had in 2023—Stephenson, Maile, and Curt Casali.
It has captivating depth. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall told MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, “We don’t really have it in Triple-A.” “This has a hint of an insurance policy.”
The 33-year-old Wynns, who was formerly an Oriole, played for the Giants, Dodgers, and Rockies last season. His career spans five big league seasons.13 home runs in 226 innings batted. Wynns is said to be good at calling games and framing pitches, while not being a particularly potent offensive threat.
Dec. 1: Two-year contracts were signed by RHPs Emilio Pagán and Nick Martinez.Pagán, a reliever, will make $16 million and is useful in a variety of circumstances. With a $26 million contract, Martinez will have an opportunity to contend for a rotation slot in the spring after playing in a reserve role for San Diego the last two seasons. After the 2024 campaign, both pitchers will have the option to opt out of their contracts.
INJURY UPDATES
Tejay Antone, RHP (difficulty with right elbow)Anticipated yield: TBDAAlthough manager David Bell stated on September 23 that the reliever was healing more slowly than anticipated, ntone was still anticipated to return to the Reds before the regular season ended. Since August 24, 2021, Antone has only made five appearances. Tommy John surgery ended his season in 2022, while a flexor strain in his right forearm limited his playing time in 2023.(Recent update: October 1)
LHP Nick Lodolo (stress response in the left tibia)Return anticipated: 2024Lodolo’s season is finished, as revealed by Reds general manager Nick Krall on August 31. The day before, the left-hander had a second opinion regarding his injuries in New York. According to manager David Bell, Lodolo will not have surgery or go back to wearing a boot. It is anticipated that rest would allow his leg to heal, potentially enabling him to play again the following season. Lodolo, who has been out since mid-May, suffered a setback on August 20 while beginning his rehabilitation with Triple-A Louisville. An MRI examination indicated that the stress reaction in his left tibia had returned. (Recent update: September 1)
Riverside, LHP (Tommy John surgery)Return anticipated: 2024On July 7, Sanmartin had Tommy John surgery to fix his left elbow’s ulnar collateral ligament. Following his departure from a relief trip on May 7, he was initially diagnosed with a stress response.(Updated as of July 28.)