Reds' Terry Francona says he likes his roster and its core

At Redsfest, manager Terry Francona said he is focused on the players currently on Cincinnati's roster and praised the team's core. The club has made modest offseason moves, and president Nick Krall said he expects to add a bat before spring training.

Terry Francona reiterated that he concentrates on the players who are actually on the Reds' roster rather than those the team does not have. Speaking at Redsfest, he noted other clubs have made large signings while Cincinnati has focused on smaller, targeted moves. The Reds signed reliever Pierce Johnson and completed a three-team trade that sent Gavin Lux to the Rays and brought Brock Burke to Cincinnati. President of baseball operations Nick Krall said the team still expects to add a bat before spring training. Key details: - Francona said he likes the players on the roster and that the core of the team remains intact. - Offseason moves mentioned include signing Pierce Johnson and the three-team trade that sent Gavin Lux away and brought lefty reliever Brock Burke. - The club also added outfielders JJ Bleday and Dane Myers, and pursued Kyle Schwarber before he returned to the Phillies. - Francona said Matt McLain should be better after shoulder surgery, Noelvi Marte may avoid a platoon role, and Spencer Steer is healthy and could play multiple positions. - Rookie Sal Stewart made an impact in September but is not guaranteed an Opening Day roster spot; Francona said he should have a chance to earn one. - The Lux trade could create more opportunities for Will Benson, and TJ Friedl remains the team's center fielder while possibly taking some reps in left. Summary: Francona emphasized clubhouse cohesion and a focus on improving the players on hand. Cincinnati's modest roster moves have altered depth and opened chances for players such as Sal Stewart, Will Benson and Spencer Steer. President Nick Krall said the club expects to add at least one more bat before spring training.