Guardians could offer the Reds their best Tyler Stephenson replacement

The Cincinnati Reds may lose catcher Tyler Stephenson in free agency due to budget constraints, forcing them to seek a replacement. The Cleveland Guardians could provide two options: veteran Austin Hedges, who hit .100 wRC+ this season and will enter free agency, or 25-year-old prospect Kody Huff from their minor league system. Huff, who is Rule 5 eligible and not on Cleveland's 40-man roster, improved significantly in 2026 at Triple-A Columbus with a .264/.375/.513 line and 23 home runs, showing better plate discipline than the previous year.

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