CINCINNATI -- During this offseason, the Reds raised payroll and made four significant free-agent signings. All were done with the expectation that 2020 will bring Cincinnati back to the status of a legitimate contender.

Here’s a primer on what you need to know:

Offense needed -- and acquired
On Dec. 5, the Reds signed veteran lefty hitter Mike Moustakas to a four-year, $64 million contract with a $20 million mutual option ($4 million buyout) for a fifth year. It was the richest free-agent deal in Cincinnati history. Moustakas, who will take over as the everyday second baseman, averaged 34 homers with an .818 OPS over his past three seasons.

Then on Jan. 8, Cincinnati agreed to a deal with Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama at three years and $21 million. Akiyama, who routinely has an on-base percentage around .400 and a low strikeout rate, is expected to be a leadoff option.

The third offensive piece was added on Jan. 27, when outfielder Nick Castellanos signed a four-year, $64 million deal, tying Moustakas’ record signing. Arguably the top outfielder on the free-agent market this winter, Castellanos batted .289/.337/.525 with 27 homers and led the big leagues with 58 doubles over 151 games combined for the Tigers and Cubs last season. Turning 28 on March 4, he’s entering the prime years of his career.

The additions should help boost an offense that was ranked 12th in the National League in 2019 in batting average (.244) and runs scored (701).

• Latest free-agent and trade rumors

Bullpen additions wanted?
President of baseball operations Dick Williams and general manager Nick Krall added to an already-strong rotation with the signing of veteran free agent Wade Miley to a two-year, $15 million contract. The left-hander, who will be reunited with his former Brewers pitching coach Derek Johnson, joins a starting five that also features Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani. Now it’s time to shore up the bullpen to help preserve leads or hold deficits close.

Raisel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, Amir Garrett and Robert Stephenson will be the four holdovers from last year, and they make a solid group. Sal Romano, Lucas Sims, Cody Reed, Joel Kuhnel and non-roster invitees Tyler Thornburg and Nate Jones will get chances to make the team.

Reds manager David Bell simply needs more experienced options. The bullpen’s ERA was ranked near the top of the NL for a large portion of the season before finishing seventh at 4.28.

Key dates

Feb. 3-21: The window for arbitration hearings.

Feb. 13: Reds pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in Goodyear, Ariz.

Feb. 16: Reds full-squad report date for Spring Training.

Feb. 22: Cactus League exhibition game schedule opens vs. Cleveland.

March 26: Opening Day vs. the Cardinals (4:10 p.m. ET) at Great American Ball Park.