Williams views bullpen as priority in offseason

CINCINNATI — Even though it was a rare occasion in which Raisel Iglesias didn’t get the job done, it was a final, fitting way to end the 2016 season for the Reds’ bullpen. The relief corps was on the hook for Sunday’s 7-4 loss to the Cubs in Game No. 162.

Not surprisingly, shoring up the bullpen is an area that Reds general manager Dick Williams views as a top priority going into the offseason.

“We won’t be playing in the high end of the free-agent market,” Williams said during a media session during Sunday’s game. “We do anticipate having some money to invest this year. Hopefully, it’ll depend on where the best values are for the team. I could see spending some money on the bullpen.”

The bullpen led the Majors in homers and walks allowed, but the relief corps isn’t the lone area in need of an upgrade. Williams and the front office will also target bench help and possibly a veteran starting pitcher. Four spots appeared locked up with Anthony DeSclafani, Homer Bailey, Brandon Finnegan and Dan Straily, with several young pitchers contenders for the remaining spot.

“It might be nice to add someone from the outside as well,” Williams said. “We’ll be monitoring the market. I don’t see us going for a high-end starting pitcher.”

Among other issues the club will contend with this winter:

• Discussing what to do with second baseman Brandon Phillips, who is entering the final year of …

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