Reds GM says team targeting free agents Morse, Aoki

The Cincinnati Reds are setting their sights on a pair of World Series contributors to help bolster their outfield.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the team plans to pursue Michael Morse and Nori Aoki this offseason, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Jocketty confirmed to Fay the club would prefer to add a bat through free agency rather than trade.

Both players represent an offensive upgrade over the Reds' left-field platoon last season of Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey. Aoki is the better defender, but Morse (16 homers in 2014) would provide plenty of pop in a lineup that ranked 28th in runs scored and second-to-last in team OPS.

Cincinnati's offense promises to be much improved this year, assuming Jay Bruce, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips return to full health. But filling the vacant left-field job would go a long way in reducing the loss of outfielder Shin-Soo Choo last winter.

For a team snake-bitten by injury, Aoki's durability, defense, and speed (17 steals in 2014) figures to be a better fit than Morse, who has missed at least 30 games in each of his last three seasons. 

Morse, however, offers insurance at first base for Joey Votto, who was limited to 62 games this year with a serious quad strain.

Both Aoki and Morse will turn 33 before the start of next season.