While Cincy Keeps Putting Things Off, the Cubs Sign the Reds’ Prospective Free-Agent Target

In the highly competitive world of Major League Baseball (MLB), team rosters are often built through a combination of drafting, development, and free-agent acquisitions. When the Cincinnati Reds entered the 2024 offseason with ambitions of strengthening their roster, they had several targets in mind. One of the players on their radar was a coveted free agent that could have been a significant addition to their lineup. However, as the offseason progressed, the Reds’ front office remained slow in their pursuit, putting off crucial decisions. Meanwhile, in a move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Chicago Cubs swooped in and signed the Reds’ prospective target, leaving Cincinnati to reconsider its strategy.

This event has the potential to reshape the competitive dynamics between two of the most storied franchises in the National League, the Reds and the Cubs. While the Reds are a team on the rise, with a promising young core and a fanbase eager for success, the Cubs have solidified their position as a perennial contender and are positioning themselves to make a serious run at the postseason. The Cubs’ decision to sign a player the Reds had hoped to land signals a shift in the balance of power in the division and could have long-term ramifications for both teams.

This article will explore how Cincinnati’s slow approach in the offseason cost them a key free-agent target and how the Cubs’ swift action could benefit them in the short and long term. It will also assess how this move affects the Reds’ current standing and future prospects, as well as the overall competitive landscape of the National League Central.

Cincinnati Reds’ Missed Opportunity: A Series of Missteps

1. The Reds’ Offseason Approach

The Cincinnati Reds entered the offseason with clear intentions of improving their roster, particularly as their young talent began to show promise in 2023. With exciting players like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Matt McLain, the Reds’ future was beginning to look brighter. However, the team’s front office has often been criticized for its indecisiveness, especially when it comes to aggressively pursuing free-agent targets or making moves that would push the team into the next competitive tier.

The 2024 offseason was expected to be a time of action for Cincinnati. The Reds were looking to add depth to their roster, with a particular emphasis on strengthening their pitching staff and adding a veteran presence to the lineup. While they had an eye on a few key free agents, one player in particular stood out as a potential game-changer: a position player whose experience and talent could have complemented the Reds’ young core.

However, as the offseason dragged on, the Reds’ front office kept putting off crucial decisions, opting for a wait-and-see approach rather than making swift moves. This hesitation allowed other teams, including the Cubs, to capitalize on the Reds’ indecisiveness.

2. The Free-Agent Target: Who Was Cincinnati After?

The free-agent target in question was a highly sought-after player who was expected to make a significant impact for whichever team signed him. While the identity of the player may vary depending on the specific offseason in question, it’s clear that this was a player who had the potential to fill an immediate need for the Reds—whether that was as an outfielder, infielder, or even as a pitcher.

The Reds were particularly focused on addressing certain holes in their lineup. With a young roster that was still in the process of maturing, the Reds needed a veteran presence that could provide stability and leadership, particularly in high-leverage situations. Moreover, the Reds needed a player who could offer consistency at the plate and potentially help the team compete for a playoff spot in a competitive NL Central division.

Despite these needs, the Reds’ front office was slow to act, allowing other teams to enter the bidding for this player. By waiting too long, the Reds ultimately allowed the Cubs to swoop in and secure the signing.

The Cubs Capitalize on Cincinnati’s Delay

1. The Cubs’ Swift Action

Unlike the Reds, the Chicago Cubs were proactive in addressing their needs during the offseason. As a team that had spent the last few years retooling and building a more balanced roster, the Cubs entered the 2024 offseason with a clear goal: to strengthen their lineup and put themselves in a position to contend for a division title. With a mix of experienced players like Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Cody Bellinger, the Cubs had a solid foundation. However, they knew they needed another key piece to help them take the next step.

When the Cubs saw the opportunity to sign the Reds’ prospective free-agent target, they didn’t hesitate. Their front office moved quickly and decisively, completing the deal and securing a player who could immediately contribute to their success. Whether it was a seasoned hitter or a reliable arm, the player’s skill set fit seamlessly into the Cubs’ needs, making the signing a smart and strategic move.

This swift action stands in stark contrast to the Reds’ hesitancy and failure to secure the player themselves. The Cubs, under the leadership of their front office, were willing to take calculated risks and make bold moves, while the Reds seemed to be more focused on waiting for the perfect opportunity—an approach that ultimately cost them a key player.

2. Why the Cubs’ Signing Was Important

For the Cubs, this signing wasn’t just about adding another talented player to the roster—it was about reinforcing their commitment to winning now. The Cubs have built a team capable of contending in the NL Central, but they needed that one additional piece to push them over the top. Signing this free agent provided that boost and showed their intention to stay competitive in the division.

The signing also sent a message to the rest of the league: the Cubs are serious about returning to the postseason and making a deep run. The addition of this player gives the Cubs greater depth and flexibility, whether in their lineup, defensive alignment, or pitching rotation. In the highly competitive NL Central, where teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are always dangerous, this move helps the Cubs solidify their standing as one of the division’s top teams.

The Fallout for Cincinnati

1. A Blow to Their Roster Plans

For the Reds, missing out on this player represents a significant setback. The addition of the player could have addressed a major hole in their roster, providing them with the veteran presence and stability they desperately needed. Without this player, the Reds are left scrambling to find other ways to improve their roster and fill the gap that was left unaddressed.

The Reds’ slow offseason approach has not only cost them a key free-agent signing but has also left them behind other teams in terms of roster improvement. While the Cubs strengthened their team with a crucial acquisition, the Reds are left to wonder how they will stay competitive in the tough NL Central. The young talent on the roster is exciting, but it remains to be seen whether it can consistently carry the team throughout the season. The absence of this free-agent target means the Reds will need to look elsewhere, and potentially make more aggressive moves, in order to avoid falling behind their rivals.

2. Potential Long-Term Consequences

This situation highlights a larger issue that has plagued the Reds in recent seasons: an inability or unwillingness to act decisively in critical moments. While the team has some exciting prospects, the Reds have often failed to complement their young core with the necessary veterans or experienced players who can help lead the team to success. Missing out on key free agents could stunt their development and prevent them from making the leap into true contention.

If the Reds continue with this slow, cautious approach, they may find themselves watching from the sidelines while other teams in the division, like the Cubs, take steps to improve and contend for playoff spots. The Reds need to be proactive if they hope to challenge teams like the Cubs and Brewers for division supremacy. Otherwise, they risk falling further behind in an increasingly competitive National League.

The Larger Impact on the NL Central

1. Increasing Pressure on Other Teams

The Cubs’ signing of the Reds’ prospective target is not just a win for Chicago—it also raises the stakes for other teams in the NL Central. The division has been a tight race in recent years, with several teams jockeying for position. The Cubs’ strengthened roster now puts even more pressure on the Reds, as well as the Cardinals and Brewers, to act decisively and improve their own rosters. The Cubs are making it clear that they are not content with being a mid-tier team but are gunning for a division title.

The Reds will need to reassess their offseason strategy and possibly explore trades or other free-agent signings to make up for the missed opportunity. They can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines and hope for their young players to carry the team. With the Cubs bolstering their roster, the Reds must act quickly if they want to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

2. A Shifting Power Dynamic

The Cubs’ acquisition shifts the power dynamic in the NL Central, as they continue to position themselves as one of the top contenders in the division. This could have lasting implications for the playoff picture, particularly as teams like the Reds and Brewers must now compete not only against each other but also against a newly strengthened Cubs team.

The signing underscores the importance of being active and aggressive during the offseason—something the Reds have yet to embrace fully. The Cubs, with their swift action, have gained an advantage, and Cincinnati may have to play catch-up if they hope to remain relevant in the division.

Conclusion: The Reds Must Act or Fall Behind

The Reds’ missed opportunity in the 2024 offseason is a wake-up call for the organization. As the Cubs continue to make moves that position them for success, Cincinnati will need to rethink its approach and act decisively if it wants to remain competitive in the NL Central. The slow approach that led to missing out on a key free-agent target could have long-term consequences for the Reds, especially as their rivals make improvements.

Cincinnati’s front office must learn from this mistake and avoid letting other teams steal the spotlight in future offseasons. If they are serious about contending, the Reds need to act with urgency, add key pieces to their roster, and capitalize on the young talent they have cultivated. Otherwise, the Cubs will continue to build their advantage, leaving Cincinnati to wonder what could have been.