With a month to go until pitchers and catchers report for camp, Major League Baseball's offseason is starting to wind down. That makes this the opportune time for clubs around the league to apply the finishing touches to their rosters. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of Tuesday's most notable news, rumors, and moves in one handy spot for your viewing convenience.
Reds gain additional payroll flexibility
Earlier this week, the Reds agreed to a new one-year broadcast and streaming deal with FanDuel Sports Network. Top executive Nick Krall has since suggested that Cincinnati's payroll will stand to receive at least a "little bit" of a bump in response, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
"Just getting a little bit more money is definitely great," Krall told the newspaper. "We can work a little bit more in both the free agency and the trade market."
The Reds' uncertainty with their local TV revenue had previously forced them to keep their payroll within about $10 million of last year's figure, per the estimates at Cot's Contracts. Now, the would-be contenders will at least have a little more breathing room.
Of course, that doesn't mean the Reds are likely to rush out and sign any player to a lucrative long-term deal. As the Enquirer notes, the team is more likely to traffic in short-term arrangements given the lack of clarity about their long-term broadcasting rights.
Yankees add Smith
The Yankees have signed former Mets first baseman Dominic Smith to a minor-league deal, according to Jack Curry of YES Network.
Smith, 29, was once upon a time a first-round pick and a top prospect. He's hit .246/.313/.403 for his career (97 OPS+) all the while seeing action with four clubs. Most recently, he split the 2024 campaign between the Red Sox and Reds.
The Yankees, of course, signed former NL MVP Award recipient Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal earlier this winter with the hopes that he rebounds from a career-worst season. As such, Smith will compete with Ben Rice for the designation of Plan B at the cold corner in the event of injury or underperformance.