In the midst of a busy couple of weeks for the Cincinnati Reds front office. One wonders what the Reds overall off-season strategy is. The answer so far boils down primarily to pandemic-related cost cutting.

Most Major League Baseball teams likely wont be big spenders this off-season. Due to the financial strains unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cincinnati Reds are already making cost cutting moves. Trading relief pitchers Raisel Iglesias and Robert Stephenson in recent weeks. While non-tendering Curt Casali, Archie Bradley, Brian Goodwin and R.J. Alaniz.

The Reds are trying to pull off a balancing act. Shedding players from the payroll; while trying not to re-enter rebuilding mode. After emerging from their previous rebuilding plan this year. Through making their first MLB Postseason appearance since 2013. After years of futility, staff, players, and fans don’t want to go back into rebuilding mode. Especially after the way the 2020 season ultimately played out. For the Reds on and off of the field and for their fans.

With the Reds playing just 60 instead of the usual 162 regular season games. There were no paying spectators in the stands due to the pandemic. Disappointing Reds fans, the team’s front office and players. After high preseason expectations left Reds fans eager. Over the possibility of watching the Reds in a pennant pursuit at Great American Ball Park. Those hopes fueled high hopes financially for Cincinnati’s front office. After a five-year streak in total attendance declines was snapped in 2019.

So far, the Reds aren’t getting rid of the team’s engine. Archie Bradley and Brian Goodwin joined the team last August. After another Gold Glove season for catcher Tucker Barnhart. Cincinnati’s front office could feel more comfortable about moving on from Curt Casali. Trading Iglesias and Stephenson likely improves the possibility. That the Reds won’t gut their starting rotation. Especially with Trevor Bauer potentially moving on from Cincinnati this winter.

After winning the National League’s Cy Young Award this year. Bauer is one of the most high-profile free agents in the major leagues. With reliable starters Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo in the rotation. Cincinnati might not be willing to break the bank to keep Bauer. Considering the pandemic and past experience for the Reds with hefty deals. Such as Homer Bailey’s six-year, $105 million contract back in 2014. A deal that no longer seemed worth it two years later.

From a financial standpoint, the Reds recent moves are understandable. When it comes to improving the team on the field. Cincinnati isn’t doing anything to address their anemic offense. Which continues to be their main stumbling block. Cincinnati had a major league worst .212 batting average in 2020. Instead, their moves mostly affect their pitching staff. Which recently went from the worst to among the best in the major leagues.

Ultimately, there’s an air of uncertainty swirling around the 2021 season. For the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball collectively. From the number of games to the number of fans allowed in the stands. On the field, the Reds hopes to contend in 2021 are in a state of flux. After all, they narrowly squeaked into an atypical postseason in an atypical season.

The Reds have two priorities going into 2021. First, navigating through the pandemic-related uncertainty surrounding the 2021 season. Second, building a team that can contend deeper into the 2020’s. Cincinnati’s off-season approach so far deals primarily with the first priority. While not trying not to damage their aspirations with the second.