Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 14, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds ownership has decided to retain general manager Nick Krall and manager Terry Francona for the 2027 season despite a disappointing year and mounting fan frustration. Multiple outlets report that the decision likely stems from practical timing—an incoming MLB lockout on December 1 would give a new general manager insufficient time to evaluate the roster and make trades before business halts, leaving Krall at an advantage to make moves before the freeze takes effect. While this explanation may be pragmatic, it offers little comfort to fans seeking organizational change.

The retention decision has drawn criticism from observers who point out that the Reds' small-market financial constraints argument no longer holds weight. The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, operating on payrolls of $107 million and $145.5 million respectively, have both clinched playoff spots this season while outspending or matching Cincinnati's $133 million budget. These teams have distinguished themselves through strategic asset management and bold trades, while the Reds have generated most of their production from three young players earning a combined $2.3 million, raising questions about how the remaining $130 million has been deployed.

The Reds face significant roster challenges heading into the offseason. Hunter Greene will miss 2027 following Tommy John surgery, and Brady Singer is entering free agency, leaving Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. Prospect Rhett Lowder is expected to fill a rotation spot, but recent performances have exposed critical weaknesses in his secondary pitches, particularly his slider and changeup, which rank in the bottom 10% of the league in whiff rates. The team's offense remains among baseball's worst, ranking last in batting average at .230 and on-base percentage at .308, with production heavily dependent on Elly De La Cruz, Eugenio Suarez, and Sal Stewart.

The Reds begin a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at 6:40 PM ET, with Nick Lodolo starting against Tarik Skubal. Lodolo has struggled since returning from injury, allowing eight home runs in 27 innings, while Skubal has posted a 2.48 ERA over his last 13 starts following mid-season surgery. The Dodgers swept a three-game matchup between the teams last week.