The Reds' total spend since the end of last season is in sharp contrast to the total $101M spent from '10-19REDS
The Reds have spent a total of $164M this offseason in free agency after signing RF Nick Castellanos to a four-year, $64M deal earlier this week, ratcheting up expectations "as high as they've been since their last playoff appearance in 2013," according to Bobby Nightengale of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. The total spend since the end of the '19 season, which also includes deals for 4B Mike Moustakas and LF Shogo Akiyama, is a sharp contrast to the commitment of a "little under $101 million to free agents from 2010-19" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 1/29). Reds President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams said that the major investment this offseason "was a sign of commitment to winning" from the ownership group fronted by CEO Bob Castellini. Williams: "You simply don't have an offseason like that without the unwavering support of a strong ownership group. ... They have stepped up in a big way to give us the resources to finish the transactions we've completed this offseason and put this team in a position to compete and perform at a championship level in our division." THE ATHLETIC's C. Trent Rosecrans noted the "biggest question" yesterday pertained to why the Reds are going all-in this season. Castellini said, "We were fortunate to have some equity money from our Fox relationship and it enabled us to do what we're doing." However, he added, "This doesn't last monetarily, so we have to win for these fans so they'll continue to come" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/28). MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal noted the Reds' expected payroll is around a club-record $143M. While threatening the luxury tax threshold is "not an issue ... this is a lot for them" ("Hot Stove," MLB Network, 1/28).
SHOWING SIGNS OF LIFE: In Cincinnati, Paul Daugherty writes the Reds are "trying again, after a six-year run of doing nothing." It helps that all MLB teams have "gotten close to $100 million since 2016" from MLB's sale of BAM Tech, along with league revenues reaching "all-time highs in each of the last two seasons." But the Reds "haven't pocketed their fortune," opting to spend it instead (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 1/29). THE ATHLETIC's Mo Egger wrote it has been a "productive yet fiscally expensive baseball winter in Cincinnati," as the Reds have spent an "unprecedented amount of money this offseason." However, the moves "should further stimulate a fanbase that's been stirring ever since the flurry of moves prior to last season" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/28). In Dayton, Hal McCoy writes Castellini has "unlocked the vault" this offseason. This marks "virgin territory" for the franchise, as even if the signings fail to "produce a championship, it has the team's fan base excited, almost giddy" (DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 1/29). MLB Network’s Chris Russo said to Williams, “You put your money where your mouth is. You guys spent a ton of money” (“High Heat,” MLB Network, 1/28).
