Cincinnati Reds yet to reach a deal with free-agent Ryan Ludwick – MLB News
Despite all certainty, paradoxically, uncertainty persists as the Cincinnati Reds and free agent left fielder Ryan Ludwick have yet to reach a deal as the third day of Winter Meetings concluded on Wednesday, December 5. The efforts to re-sign the player were expected to bear fruit; but nothing of that sort materialised.
Be that as it may, general manager Walt Jocketty is optimistic about a positive outcome of the ongoing talks between the team and Ludwick’s agent. Walt Jocketty said he had spoken to both the agent and the player, as the matter will be resolved – admitting that the club and Ludwick were a little ways apart in a few matters.
"We're going to figure it out one way or another in the next couple of days," Jocketty said. "I think he wants to get it resolved too."
Next few days will be crucial to see what the talks entail. Things have been rather slow for the Reds so far in the Winter Meetings. The expectations for a flurry of activity were high, but Jocketty acknowledged the momentum has slowed down.
"The last two days have been really slow," Jocketty said. "I talked to some other clubs, too. They're saying the same thing. There was a lot of optimism and a lot of momentum when we first got here. It has really slowed down. I'm not sure why. This place is so big, you never see anybody."
The offseason is usually a time when the teams are somehow trigger happy when it comes to signing of the players. However, the Reds – as it could be observed, have had a rather meticulous approach so far.
While opportunities may be abundant or limited, increasing or dwindling, the Reds have to be aggressive on this front. Ludwick was instrumental in the team’s offence the past season – something which is not overlooked.
As Thursday will be the last day of Winter Meetings, with no substantial transaction made by the Reds so far, all considerations being weighed by the club may come to fore. Speeding up negotiations with Ludwick, nonetheless, will be of crucial importance for the Reds.
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