Reds can solve the Brady Singer and Tyler Stephenson dilemma for $23 million

The Cincinnati Reds face roster gaps at starting pitcher and catcher but have limited budget flexibility. Brady Singer posted a 5.67 ERA this season with a particularly poor September (15.32 ERA), making the $23 million qualifying offer unappealing, though a two-year deal around $26 million could be worth considering given his steadier track record. Tyler Stephenson has been an above-average hitter since June with a 122 wRC+ and elite pitch-blocking skills, making him a priority to retain on a two-year, $20 million contract. Together, this approach would cost the Reds approximately $23 million annually for both players rather than spending that amount on Singer alone.

Summary written by MLB Feed Network based on the original reporting. How we write summaries