The Reds’ quick exit from the playoffs makes it simple to overlook the successes of the common season. Cincinnati snapped a four-year postseason drought in supervisor Terry Francona’s first season. They received 83 video games for simply the second time since 2013. This staff has one thing to construct on heading into 2026, and now could be the time to make a splash in free company.
As MLBTR’s Anthony Franco explored in Cincinnati’s Offseason Outlook for Entrance Workplace subscribers, bettering the offense will likely be key this offseason. The membership didn’t have the depth or high-end expertise to compete with the very best of the Nationwide League. Cincinnati might make smaller strikes across the margins, as they’ve performed in current seasons, however why not take a much bigger swing?
Financially, the staff is in a good spot. FanGraphs’ RosterResource device has the Reds with an estimated payroll of round $94MM heading into subsequent season. They have been near $120MM this previous season, and have been above $130MM in every season from 2020 to 2022. The most important present dedication for 2026 is the $13MM owed to Jeimer Candelario. Whereas it stings to be shelling out that quantity to a participant now not within the group, Candelario is the one one on the books for eight figures proper now, assuming the staff declines Austin Hays’ $12MM mutual choice. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz has Brady Singer projected to earn $11.9MM in arbitration, however the righty will seemingly be the one important dedication coming from the arbitration course of.
Cincinnati’s largest free agent contract by whole worth is a tie between Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas at $64MM over 4 years in 2020, as proven on MLBTR’s Contract Tracker. The membership must go effectively past a $16MM common annual worth to entice Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso, however perhaps combining the outlay on Castellanos and Moustakas can be sufficient to make an attention-grabbing provide.
A part of the rationale for the offense being the offseason focus is that the pitching employees was wonderful in 2025. Hunter Greene seemed like an ace when wholesome. Andrew Abbott delivered a breakout season. Singer and Nick Lodolo offered secure innings. Chase Burns posted electrifying strikeout numbers upon getting referred to as up. Cincinnati ranked ninth in beginning pitcher ERA. Solely six different beginning staffs had extra strikeouts.
The success on the mound is made extra spectacular by Cincinnati’s house venue. Nice American Ball Park ranks third in StatCast’s Park Issue metric. It’s the second-highest rated park for house runs. The strides made by the beginning pitching unit make the shortcomings of the offense more durable to swallow, particularly given the favorable hitting setting.
Although they snuck into the playoffs after chasing down the Mets, the Reds completed third within the NL Central. They haven’t been higher than third within the division since successful it in 2012. This may be the proper time to buck that development.
Pittsburgh and St. Louis are in rebuilding mode, making this a three-horse race heading into subsequent season. Milwaukee and Chicago each received 90+ video games in 2025, however might be going through important losses. Kyle Tucker is a free agent. He would match the invoice as a big splash for Cincinnati, although he’s seemingly out of their value vary. The extra seemingly influence is eradicating a key contributor from the center of the Cubs’ lineup. Talking of necessary losses, Milwaukee might be contemplating a Freddy Peralta commerce. It might be a large loss for a rotation with out a lot confirmed depth and a few well being questions.
The Brewers and Cubs are nonetheless seemingly the favorites to win the NL Central subsequent season, however the Reds can shut the hole. Their funds make an enormous transfer potential, and their pitching employees deserves higher assist. Schwarber stated it could be “cool” to go well with up for his hometown staff. The Reds would possibly as effectively attempt to make that occur.
