The Reds' offseason shopping could very well be complete. The club agreed to terms Tuesday with outfielder Ryan Ludwick on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. The Reds wouldn't confirm the deal until Ludwick passes his physical.
Speaking in general terms, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the club might go to spring training with the roster as is. The Reds are still in the market for utility infielder who can play shortstop.
"If we (don't add one)," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said, "we like what we've got."
Ludwick is the outfield bat the Reds have been seeking, albeit on a very limited budget.
Ludwick made $6.7 million in 2011. But he saw the free agent market dry up around him.
Ludwick, 30, hit .237/.310/.363 with 13 home runs and 75 RBI last season with San Diego and Pittsburgh.
One of the things that made him attractive to the Reds is the fact that he is a .276/.321/.600 hitter at Great American Ball Park in 105 at-bats.
Ludwick also has a history with Jocketty. Ludwick resurrected his career with the Cardinals under Jocketty. In 2008, Madson hit .299 with 37 homers, 113 RBI and a .966 on-base plus slugging (OPS) with the Cardinals.
The bulk of Ludwick's playing time will come in left field, where he figures to compete with Chris Heisey.
NOTES, QUOTES
Bailey back for one more year
--RHP Homer Bailey and the Reds settled on a one-year, $2.4 million contract and avoided arbitration. Bailey went 9-7 with a 4.43 ERA in 2011. The sides did not discuss a long-term contract.
--RHP Jose Arredondo and the Reds were close to a two-year contract when the arbitration deadline approached but could not reach a deal. Arredondo filed for $875,000; the Reds countered at $725,000.
--RHP Nick Masset, who made $1.825 million in 2011, filed for $2.9 million in arbitration; the Reds countered at $2.1 million.
--LHP Bill Bray settled for $1.4 million for 2012 before the sides exchanged numbers in arbitration. Bray went 5-3 with a 2.98 ERA last year.
--C Dioner Navarro signed a minor league deal with the Reds. "It's purely for depth," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "After trading (Yasmani) Grandal, we need somebody at Triple-A with major league experience. We have that with (Navarro) and Corky (Miller)."
BY THE NUMBERS: 2001 -- That's the last time the Reds went to arbitration with a player. They beat Chris Reitsma in the hearing that year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "If we (don't add one), we like what we've got." -- General manager Walt Jocketty on the possibility of adding a veteran utility infielder.
ROSTER REPORT
The Reds did very little last offseason, but that is not the case this winter. After a lot of effort to land a top starting pitcher, they finally snagged Mat Latos from San Diego. They also added closer Ryan Madson to replace Francisco Cordero.
ARRIVALS: LHP Sean Marshall (trade with Cubs), RHP Mat Latos (trade with Padres), RHP Ryan Madson (free agent from Phillies), OF Ryan Ludwick (free agent from Pirates).
DEPARTURES: RHP Edinson Volquez, 1B Yonder Alonso, RHP Brad Boxberger and C Yasmani Grandal (traded to Padres); LHP Dontrelle Willis (free agent, signed with Phillies), C Ramon Hernandez (free agent, signed with Rockies), LHP Matt Maloney (waiver claim by Twins), LHP Travis Wood (traded to Cubs), OF Dave Sappelt (traded to Cubs).
FREE AGENTS: SS Edgar Renteria, RHP Francisco Cordero.
The Reds will likely allow Renteria to walk. They declined a $12 million option on Cordero.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Nick Masset, RHP Jose Arredondo.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--3B Scott Rolen (left shoulder surgery in August 2011) was limited to 65 games in 2011. He is expected to be ready by spring training.
--SS Zack Cozart (Tommy John surgery on left elbow in August 2011) is expected to be ready by spring training.
