Reds use Winter Meetings to gauge market

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Reds talked to clubs and did a lot of listening this week at the 2016 Winter Meetings. But ultimately, general manager Dick Williams and his baseball operations staff left town without a major transaction.
That doesn't mean the talking and listening is over, however.
"We're still working on trade possibilities," Williams said.
• Hot Stove Tracker
Although Williams wasn't necessarily shopping them, the Reds drew some interest in center fielder Billy Hamilton and starting pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Dan Straily. But the asking price for all three was high, and the Reds appeared to be in no rush to move any of the three.
The Reds are also looking to add relievers, but those moves will likely come later.
"That takes the whole offseason," Williams said. "It's hard to predict when one's going to hit. That could easily take a little while longer. We're pretty active talking to all of the guys we're interested in."

Here's a summary of the four days at the Winter Meetings.
Deals done
None.
Goals accomplished
The Reds were engaged in plenty of talks all week, and historically it has led to trades that are executed in the days and weeks after the Winter Meetings. Last year, third baseman Todd Frazier was traded to the White Sox in a three-team deal that brought José Peraza and Scott Schebler from the Dodgers. That deal went down the week after the Meetings.
Unfinished business
There is plenty left to get done during this offseason. Shortstop Zack Cozart and second baseman Brandon Phillips -- who the Reds have considered trading with an eye toward opening spots for Peraza and Dilson Herrera -- are still on the roster. Cincinnati also still wants to add relievers and a starting pitcher to compete for the open spot in the rotation.

Rule 5 activity
The Reds took catcher Luis Torrens from the Yankees in the first round and catcher Stuart Turner from the Twins in the second round of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Torrens is expected to be dealt to the Padres, however. More >
GM's bottom line
"We made progress talking to teams and got a better sense of what the market is out there." -- Williams