$165 million later, Reds see themselves as a contender

CINCINNATI (AP) — Manager David Bell hears the buzz around town. Reds fans who haven’t had much to cheer for six years are ruminating not only about a return to winning, but a spot in the 2020 postseason.

A $165 million spending spree changed everything.

Cincinnati was one of the biggest players in the offseason, overhauling its everyday lineup with the two biggest free agent deals in club history. Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos, Wade Miley, Shogo Akiyama and Pedro Strop were brought aboard to end a streak of six straight losing seasons.

When fans fill Great American Ball Park for the season opener against the rival St. Louis Cardinals on March 26, they’ll be expecting nothing less than the start of a run at the NL Central title.

So, how much of this optimism is merited?

Nicholas Castellanos deal with Reds | MLB.com

One of the most aggressive teams on the free-agent market all winter, the Reds made another big addition on Monday. The club agreed to terms with outfielder Nicholas Castellanos on a four-year contract, a source told MLB.com.