Offseason In Review: Cincinnati Reds
The Power Move: A Familiar Face Returns
The Cincinnati Reds have brought back Eugenio Suarez, a power-hitting first baseman/third baseman, to bolster their inconsistent lineup. With Suarez's return, the Reds are banking on his ability to provide much-needed pop in the lineup. But is one year and $15MM enough to secure his services for 2027?
Major League Signings
- Emilio Pagan, RHP: Two years, $20MM (Pagan can opt out after 2026)
- Eugenio Suarez, 1B/3B: One year, $15MM (plus $16MM mutual option for 2027)
- Pierce Johnson, RHP: One year, $6.5MM (plus mutual option for 2027)
- Caleb Ferguson, LHP: One year, $4.5MM
- JJ Bleday, OF: One year, $1.4MM
2026 Spending: $37.4MM; Total Spending: $47.4MM
Trades and Claims
- Acquired LHP Brock Burke from Angels as part of a three-team trade (Rays acquired IF Gavin Lux and minor league RHP Chris Clark from Reds; Angels acquired OF Josh Lowe from Rays)
- Acquired OF Dane Myers from Marlins for minor league OF Ethan O'Donnell
- Acquired cash considerations from Rays for OF Ryan Vilade
- Acquired minor league RHP Dusty Revis from Mariners for RHP Yosver Zulueta
- Claimed C Ben Rortvedt off waivers from Dodgers
- Claimed RHP Roddery Munoz off waivers from Cardinals
Option Decisions
- Austin Hays, OF: Reds declined $12MM club option for 2026, paid $1MM buyout
- Scott Barlow, RHP: Reds declined $6.5MM club option for 2026, paid $1MM buyout
- Brent Suter, LHP: Reds declined $3MM club option for 2026, paid $350K buyout
Notable Minor League Signings
- Nathaniel Lowe, Garrett Hampson, Josh Staumont, Michael Toglia, Michael Chavis, Anthony Misiewicz, Yunior Marte, Tejay Antone, Carson Spiers, Davis Daniel, Darren McCaughan, Will Banfield, Hagen Danner, P.J. Higgins, Brandon Leibrandt
Extensions
- None to date
Notable Losses
- Hays, Barlow, Suter, Lux, Vilade, Zulueta, Nick Martinez, Santiago Espinal, Miguel Andujar, Reiver Sanmartin, Zack Littell (still unsigned), Wade Miley (still unsigned)
The Local Product: Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber, a local product from Middletown, Ohio, was a top-tier bat the Reds were interested in. However, Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies for five years and $150MM, leaving the Reds to seek a backup plan. Instead, they brought in Suarez, a 49-homer slugger with ties to Cincinnati.
Suarez's Strategy
Suarez opted for a one-year deal in a hitter-friendly environment at Great American Ball Park, hoping to land a multi-year deal after a strong performance. The Reds are happy to add power to the lineup for 2026, and they may reunite with Suarez next winter if the price is right.
Hitting was the Need
The Reds' run to the wild card berth was despite middling offensive numbers. Bringing Suarez into the lineup as a designated hitter should provide pop, but the team will rely on the same faces from 2025. The Reds' free agent spending was limited due to budget constraints and uncertainty over their broadcast contract.
Trade Market Pursuits
The Reds pursued free agents like Schwarber and Miguel Andujar but were linked to names like Ketel Marte, Luis Robert Jr., Brandon Lowe, and Jake Meyers. However, the team's reluctance to deal from their rotation depth may have been a roadblock in these pursuits.
Bullpen Bolstering
The Reds addressed their bullpen needs by re-signing Emilio Pagan on a two-year, $20MM deal and acquiring Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson. These moves provide stability and experience to the bullpen.
Outfield Questions
With Hays and Lux gone, the Reds' outfield is a question mark. JJ Bleday and Dane Myers were acquired, but their roles are unclear. The team's regular outfield alignment is uncertain, and Terry Francona will need to find at-bats for everyone.
The Surer Things
Suarez provides stability, Elly De La Cruz has an even higher ceiling, and Ke'Bryan Hayes brings huge value with his glove. However, the team's position players are uncertain, and the Reds are counting on internal breakouts to take another step forward.
