Free agency officially began at 5:01 p.m. on Nov. 1, but everybody is forgiven if they didn’t realize it had already started.
It’s been a very slow-moving market with just one notable signing: left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray re-signed with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $8 million deal. The lack of activity was expected amid the pandemic – plus the uncertainty with some rule changes like the designated hitter in the National League – and the market could be flooded by players who aren’t tendered contracts in a few weeks.
The Cincinnati Reds have plenty of areas where they need to improve if they want to become a legitimate playoff contender.