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Reds look to lay groundwork for deals at Meetings
- Updated: November 28, 2016
CINCINNATI — Following a flurry of trades and other subtractions the past two years, the demolition portion of the Reds’ rebuilding phase appears nearly complete. With Cincinnati hoping to take a step forward in 2017, general manager Dick Williams is looking to bolster areas of weakness and create playing time for young players that need to develop.
A prime opportunity to accomplish those goals will come next week during the 2016 Winter Meetings in National Harbor, Md. Whether that actually happens there, Williams couldn’t tell just yet.
“We’ve had discussions with a bunch of clubs on different topics,” Williams said. “Talks speed up and slow down. It’s really tough to predict when they will come to fruition. The key is to keep as many irons in the fire as you can.”
• Hot Stove Tracker
One of the bigger issues to sort out this winter is the makeup of the Reds’ middle infield. Second baseman Brandon Phillips is headed into the final year of his contract. Shortstop Zack Cozart is arbitration-eligible for the third and final time, meaning he’s a year away from first-time free agency. Phillips, 35, is due to earn $14 million in 2017 and has full no-trade protection. Although he declined to be traded last winter to the Nationals, he could be more flexible this time around.
The Reds would like to open up playing time for young infielders Jose Peraza and Dilson Herrera.
“We’ve had inquiries on a …
