CINCINNATI -- The Reds capped a shortened 2020 regular season by making the playoffs. Then they were bounced in the first round. The goal for '21 is for Cincinnati to advance further, much further.

The work to achieve that goal will be led for the first time by general manager Nick Krall, who was elevated to head the Reds’ baseball operations department on Oct. 19, after Dick Williams resigned.

“We had a very good pitching staff this year,” Krall said. “We're going to lose some free agents. We've got to figure out a way to replace those innings and get quality innings. Offensively, we underperformed somewhat. There are some things we can work with to hopefully get our offense back on the right track and more consistent with what we can do.”

What specifically are the biggest needs for the Reds this winter? What moves have been made already? MLB.com is keeping track right here and as the offseason continues, be sure to check back for updates.

BIGGEST NEEDS

Impact bat
Despite adding Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama to the offense last winter, Cincinnati finished last in the Major Leagues with a .212 batting average. Eliminated from the National League Wild Card Series by Atlanta in two games, the lineup was held scoreless over all 22 innings. The team relied heavily on the home run all season, with a record 61.1 percent of its runs scoring on drives that cleared the fences. A .245 average on balls in play (BABIP) was also ranked last in MLB. Krall and manager David Bell would like to get base hits and advance runners more often.

Shortstop
The Reds already have Jose Garcia, who impressed with his defense and makeup after skipping two development levels to make his big league debut midseason over veteran Freddy Galvis. Garcia was often overchallenged offensively, which led to Galvis getting the job back the final week of the season. Galvis signed with the Orioles.

Starting pitching
With Trevor Bauer, who was the biggest prize among free-agent starting pitchers, headed to the Dodgers and Anthony DeSclafani signing with the Giants as a free agent, Krall will have to replace two pitchers in the starting five. In-house options include Michael Lorenzen, Tyler Mahle and Tejay Antone.

MOVES MADE

Feb. 11: Signed RHP Shane Carle to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster player.

Feb. 10: Claimed INF Max Schrock off waivers from the Cubs and signed RHP Braden Shipley to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster player.

Feb. 8: Signed LHP Sean Doolittle to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and signed utility player Dee Strange-Gordon to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to big league Spring Training as a non-roster player.

Feb. 3: Signed 1B/OF Nicky Delmonico to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster player.

Jan. 30: Acquired SS Kyle Holder from the Phillies in exchange for cash.

Jan. 23: Acquired LHP Cionel Pérez from the Astros in exchange for Minor League catcher Luke Berryhill.

Jan. 22: Acquired RHP Hector Perez from the Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named or cash.

Jan. 6: Acquired RHP Art Warren from the Rangers in exchange for cash considerations.

Dec. 23: Claimed catcher Deivy Grullón off waivers from the Red Sox.

Dec. 21: Signed LHP Josh Osich and RHP Matt Ball to Minor League contracts and invited them to big league camp at Spring Training.

Dec. 18: Signed RHP Bo Takahashi to a Minor League contract and invited him to big league camp at Spring Training.

Dec. 16: Acquired outfielder Scott Heineman from the Rangers for Minor League second baseman José Acosta.

Dec. 10: Acquired Minor League infielder Leonardo Rivas from the Angels to complete the Dec. 7 trade of Raisel Iglesias.

Dec. 8: Infielder Cheslor Cuthbert and outfielder Dwight Smith were signed to Minor League contracts and invited to big league camp at Spring Training.

Dec. 7: Cincinnati traded closer Raisel Iglesias and cash to the Angels for reliever Noé Ramirez and a player to be named.

Dec. 2: The Reds declined to tender contracts to catcher Curt Casali, reliever Archie Bradley, outfielder Brian Goodwin, utility player Kyle Farmer and reliever R.J. Alaniz. The club then re-signed Farmer to a one-year contract.

Nov. 25: The Reds acquired right-hander Jeff Hoffman and Minor League pitcher Case Williams in a trade with the Rockies for right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson and Minor League outfielder Jameson Hannah.

Oct. 26: Reliever Joel Kuhnel was sent outright to Triple-A Louisville.

Oct. 14: First baseman Matt Davidson, outfielder Travis Jankowski and relievers Jesse Biddle and Matt Bowman were sent outright to Louisville. All elected free agency.