Reds in "advanced talks" with Grady Sizemore

The Reds are in "advanced talks" about a contract with free agent outfielder Grady Sizemore, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. While Rosenthal notes that other teams are still involved in talks with Sizemore, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that "there are some details to be worked out" and that the team "hopes to get something done next week".

Jocketty noted that both major and minor league deals have been discussed with Sizemore, who has not seen major league action since 2011. This comes as a bit of a surprise due to the 31-year old's injury history, but may indicate that he has a strong market of teams who believe that he is fully healthy and ready to contribute at the major league level.

Sizemore has been linked in reports to the Astros and Twins this offseason, but it appears as though Minnesota has moved on its pursuit. The Red Sox, Cubs and Mets have also been linked to the three-time All-Star since he became a free agent, but it is currently unclear if they still have interest. At this point, the Reds should be considered a strong favorite to sign Sizemore, but the possibility of another team swooping in to snag him still remains.

In eight seasons with the Indians from 2004 to 2011, Sizemore is a lifetime .269 hitter with 139 HR and 438 RBI. He finished within the top twelve in AL MVP voting in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and could be a low-risk, high-reward pickup for a team looking for outfield help.