DALLAS -- Like many clubs during a 2024 Winter Meetings that was relatively quiet in regard to transactions compared with past years, the Reds left town after many talks, but no deals completed.

President of baseball operations Nick Krall and the front office appeared more involved in trade talks than discussions with free agents. Many of those trades centered on dealing big league players for big league players.

"I think we're trying to get better any way we can," manager Terry Francona said. "I think we're just trying to see how good we can get. Now there are guys, [Matt] McLain being back, [TJ] Friedl being healthy. Those things will help it along without doing other things already."

Alas, there's two months left until pitchers and catchers report. In other words, there is plenty of time left to make moves.

BIGGEST REMAINING NEEDS

Outfielder/offense: Cincinnati would like to add some punch to a lineup that ranked in the bottom third of the league in several categories -- including OPS and average -- and only 19th in home runs despite playing in cozy Great American Ball Park. If a center fielder is acquired, Friedl could move to a corner outfield spot. Currently included in the corner mix are Jake Fraley, Spencer Steer, Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild.

Backup catcher: After not bringing back Luke Maile, the Reds have no backup catchers behind Tyler Stephenson on the 40-man roster. Krall did not rule out Maile being signed again, but right now the club only has Alex Jackson on a free-agent Minor League deal for depth.

"You want a guy that can work with the staff. You want a guy that can play defense, first and foremost in the role," Krall said. "Then you want a guy that [whether] lefty or righty fits better with the person you have. What kind of at-bats do they take? But obviously, you have to play defense in the role, and you have to be able to work with the staff."

According to a source, the Reds have shown interest in free agent James McCann for their backup catcher opening. McCann, 34, spent the last two seasons with the Orioles and has also played for the Mets, White Sox and Tigers.

Bullpen: There are multiple roles open, but it's a good chance that the Reds will get to those decisions in January as the market shakes out and some bargains could be had.

RULE 5 DRAFT

The Reds made a selection in Wednesday’s Rule 5 Draft, taking A’s second baseman Cooper Bowman with the seventh overall pick. Bowman, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, split the ‘24 season between Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with a .262/.351/.419 slash line in 118 games. He also stole 43 bases.

Bowman will have to remain on the active Major League roster for the entire 2025 season or else be offered back to the A’s for $50,000, half the cost the Reds paid to select him. With the addition of Bowman, the Reds have 38 players on their 40-man roster.

In the Minor League portion of the Rule 5 Draft, the Reds took left-hander Joel Valdez from the Yankees and right-hander Brandon Komar from the Cardinals. They also lost shortstop Jose Torres to the Rockies.

PRESIDENT'S BOTTOM LINE

Cincinnati has some payroll flexibility, but not a lot, to add players. Now it's about trying to find a match.

“It’s who fits the best," Krall said. "You have to fill a team both financially and positionally. So [we just have] to figure out who the best fit is. And if it's a trade, you also have to give something up. We’re trying to make trades."