5 blockbuster moves the Reds must make this offseason ft. extending Elly De La Cruz

For part of the 2024 MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds were in playoff contention. They didn't make it but still feature a pretty young roster. This is a key offseason for the team, as it's a chance to take that next step and get to the next level. Here's what it needs to do to get there.

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What the Reds must do now

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5) Sign Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers is a free agent (Imagn)

The Reds could use infield depth after trading away Jonathan India. They don't necessarily need starters, but India will need to be replaced in some way this year. That's where Brendan Rodgers can come in.

The second baseman had only 1.0 fWAR in two seasons but is one of a few free agents under 30. The age matters as he could fit in the window the Reds are currently working with thanks to a young roster.

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4) Sign Ha-Seong Kim

The Reds need Ha-Seong Kim (Imagn)

The same logic for Rodgers applies to Ha-Seong Kim, but Kim has been significantly better over the last two seasons. He's worth 6.9 fWAR and is still just 29.

He also adds a lot of versatility in the infield. He can play second base, shortstop and third base. That would be great for a team like the Reds, and he's had good offensive years before, too.

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3) Trade Nick Martinez

Nick Martinez could be traded (Imagn)

The addition of Brady Singer, plus a general surplus of starting pitching, makes Nick Martinez expendable. He's a pending free agent following this season and makes more than all players on the roster in AAV thanks to his qualifying offer.

It would be uncommon for the team to trade someone who signed the qualifying offer, but he's expendable, expensive and only on the roster for one season. Those three things make him a good trade candidate.

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2) Sign Kenley Jansen

The Reds need Kenley Jansen (Imagn)

The Reds don't sport a dominant bullpen. Their rotation is overfull right now with eight players listed as starters. Those will overflow into the bullpen, but the team still needs a dependable reliever who can pitch in high leverage.

That's where Kenley Jansen can come in. He's 37, so he'd be a short-term investment, but there's value to be had in one of the best closers of his generation joining a relatively young pitching staff.

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1) Extend Elly De La Cruz

Elly De La Cruz should be extended (Imagn)

The Reds should take a page out of the Kansas City Royals' book. The Royals extended Bobby Witt Jr. before he even made an All-Star team, striking before the iron was even hot. It paid off, as they locked up someone who was one of two players with 10 or more fWAR in 2024.

Elly De La Cruz seems poised for a similar ascension, and he's proving to be a special talent. They can save money and mitigate the risk of losing him by extending him now. He's only 22, so he could get a very long contract. The Reds could lock him down for the next 15 years and no one would bat an eye.