Cincinnati Reds Rumor Roundup

Oct 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds new manager Bryan Price (middle) speaks with general manager Walt Jocketty (left) and president Bob Castellini during a news conference at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

With the MLB Winter Meetings currently happening there have been a few rumors to address. The biggest still involves embattled Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips who still does not know his status with the team. Other prominent rumors going around include outfielder Shin Soo Choo and pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Many fans want to know if the team is going to make any free agent signings as well.

Brandon Phillips currently remains with the club as rumors flooded twitter for the past month that Phillips would ultimately be traded, likely to the New York Yankees. With Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano signing with the Seattle Mariners there is still a potential for the Reds to make a trade. General Manager Walt Jocketty said this past weekend at Redsfest that Phillips is here to stay. We’ll see, feeling around here is Phillips will be moved.

Bronson Arroyo and his agent turned down $14.5M qualifying offer at the beginning of free agency. The Reds are looking to go after Arroyo again as talks between the pitcher and the Pirates died down. The Minnesota Twins are also apparently in talks for the veteran pitcher. The Reds resigning Arroyo would be a surprise considering they appeared to be ready to move on following the season.

Outfield Shin Soo Choo could remain a Red but some payroll will need to be freed up. Trading Brandon Phillips would certainly give the Reds some room to resign the veteran outfield. Choo did great in his first season with the Reds, batting .285 with a .423 OBP. The Reds could certainly use him back in the lineup. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers both made runs at Choo but it appears their runs have died. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox could be potential  players still.

The other big rumor from Tuesday night was the discussion between the Reds and the Colorado Rockies about relieve Sean Marshall. Colorado is looking for a left hander and the Reds appear to be ready to move on after a few sub par seasons from Marshall. Talks have cooled a bit due to Marshall’s health but it could still happen Wednesday.

One rumor that many Reds fans will not be happy to hear is the potential for the Reds to trade young pitcher Homer Bailey. His two no hitters energized the city but the Reds could still move him. The Yankees appear to be likely players with the Reds getting outfielder Brett Gardner and a prospect or to. This is a long shot but it could happen.

As for free agent signings the stove is cold for the Reds. Anything can happen and we all know the front office plays everything close to the chest but the Reds need to do something after last seasons lack luster performance.

The winter meetings are where anything can happen. Stay tuned.