Nick Krall on the Reds’ roster entering 2024: ‘How can we upgrade our club this offseason?’

The Cincinnati Reds are proceeding with their strategy of constructing a young nucleus and developing players on their major league roster. The subsequent phase of this strategy entails competition for positions on the major league roster as well as possible acquisitions via free agency and the trade market.

Director of baseball operations Nick Krall views the Reds’ 2023 season, in which they were eliminated from contention by two games, as a chance for the young nucleus to guide the team toward contention. He stated during the offseason that he is constructing around the Reds’ current roster while also searching for opportunities to enhance it.

“How might we improve our club during the offseason?” Krall declared. “Nastional pitching, the bullpen, and position players will all require careful examination.”

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For the upcoming season, Krall has already secured contracts for over four prospective starting infielders, over three potential impact players in the outfield, eight candidates for the starting rotation, and nearly the entire bullpen.

Krall stated, “Summer training will conclude with some difficult decisions to be made.” “Is it possible to acquire some players who can improve our roster during the upcoming offseason?” Moreover, what does the culmination of the program mean in terms of appearance?

In addition to Joey Votto, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Nick Senzel, Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Matt McLain are competing for starting positions in the infield, should Votto return. Last season, when everyone was healthy, they rotated positions, utilized off days, and moved up and down the lineup.

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“There are numerous young players on our roster,” Krall remarked. “It is essential that they continue to improve.” That is the most significant aspect. You are free to purchase either this or this. “Because we have so many young players, our level of success will be determined by their yearly development.”

In the outfield, Will Benson, TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, Stuart Fairchild and Steer have all made an impact.

“You’ve got Fraley, Friedl, who was a dynamic player this year, Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild who’s a good player. Spencer (Steer) played pretty well in the corners,” Krall said. “There are a lot of guys fighting for jobs.”

A number of recent top prospects, including Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, and Carson Spiers, contribute to the Reds’ rotational depth.

It would increase roster competition if the Reds acquired or signed a player who occupies the highest position on the depth chart at his position through signing or trading.

Krall stated, “The level of competition has increased over the course of the season and into the offseason.”

Jonathan India or Elly De La Cruz moving to the outfield? More news and notes from Krall’s media availability

• According to Krall, neither India nor De La Cruz have been consulted regarding player participation in the outfield.

• Between August and September, De La Cruz compiled a 0.647 OPS following an impressive start. “Elly must enhance the caliber of his at-bat,” stated Krall. “For doing so, he was pulled over for the initial portion of his major league season after it occurred in Triple-A.” You behold an individual named Jay Bruce. He began exceptionally well when he came up, but struggled in the middle. “It is essential to determine the necessary adjustments.”

• The Reds executed a significant strategic manoeuvre in April of last year when they extended the contract of Greene. Krall stated that extension discussions with other roster members are ongoing. “It is a potentiality. “At this time, I am unable to disclose who or what it is, but we have engaged in conversation.”

• For spring training, Graham Ashcraft (toe), Nick Lodolo (leg), and Jake Fraley (toe) are all anticipated to be fully functional. Krall stated that the coaching personnel has remained unchanged.