Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 28, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a 75-87 record and last place in the NL Central, setting up a consequential offseason in which the team must navigate significant roster turnover while facing a potential lockout after the World Series concludes.

Six players are headed toward free agency or mutual option decisions. Closer Emilio Pagán is expected to exercise his $10 million player option to remain, but the Reds will likely decline mutual options for infielder Eugenio Suárez and relief pitcher Pierce Johnson. Catcher Tyler Stephenson and reliever Brock Burke, both key contributors, will enter free agency without agreements in place. Despite the likelihood that Suárez will hit the open market, he has expressed a desire to return to Cincinnati, and the team could pursue a renegotiated deal similar to its approach with Brent Suter. The front office faces pressure to spend available payroll on acquisitions rather than rely on a weak farm system or trade away elite players.

The Reds' young core of Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns provides a foundation for 2027, though significant gaps remain. Stewart made history by playing all 162 games as a rookie and stands as the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year, while De La Cruz and Burns anchored the team's performance. However, the pitching staff struggled outside of Burns, and most position players underperformed. The team also must address a specific roster weakness: 22-year-old Héctor Rodríguez functions best as a platoon player given his struggles against left-handed pitchers, forcing the Reds to seek a right-handed hitting partner. Free agent options include former Reds player Austin Hays and Miguel Andujar.

Fan frustration with the organization runs deep. The team's social media thank you post drew negative responses, reflecting broader discontent with the front office and ownership. The Castellini family has not delivered on promises made 21 seasons ago, with the Reds failing to win a division title in 14 years and not winning a playoff game in Cincinnati since 1995.