Cincinnati Reds Notebook: The offseason ahead is vital

The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a 75-87 record and last place in the NL Central after losing to Toronto 5-1, marking their worst season since 2022. The team faces significant roster turnover with three free agents (pitchers Brady Singer and Brock Burke, catcher Tyler Stephenson) and three players with mutual or player options who could depart, potentially leaving six players in free agency. Cincinnati's pitching was particularly weak outside of Chase Burns, and the offense relied heavily on Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart while most other hitters struggled significantly. The front office will need to spend available payroll on free agent talent acquisitions since the farm system is weak and trading away elite players would undermine any competitive effort for 2027.

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