Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — October 1, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds will retain their front office for 2027 despite finishing last in the NL Central with a 75-79 record, as owner Phil Castellini publicly backed general manager Nick Krall and stated that baseball decisions should remain with baseball people. This announcement came despite recent reporting that Castellini has frequently vetoed trades proposed by Krall, raising questions about the GM's actual authority within the organization.

The team's most glaring problem remains a historically dysfunctional offense. Ke'Bryan Hayes posted one of the worst single-season performances in baseball history with a 13 wRC+ and .419 OPS, while seven position players who received over 100 plate appearances posted an OPS below .650. The Reds ranked 27th in runs scored despite finishing fourth in home runs, revealing a roster built around one-dimensional players that failed to complement each other. Krall acknowledged poor performance in roster construction and identified specific needs: a defensive-minded outfielder with speed, at least one infielder for second or third base, and a catcher after Tyler Stephenson enters free agency.

Pitching coach Derek Johnson will not return after taking a personal leave of absence in June, with assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy and bullpen coach Oscar Marin serving as internal candidates for the position. The front office also parted ways with assistant hitting coach Will Remillard, though hitting coach Chris Valaika remains despite the team's offensive collapse. The Reds enter the offseason with limited trade assets, as young pitchers Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Hunter Greene experienced setbacks or injuries that diminished their value.

On the positive side, Elly De La Cruz earned National League Player of the Month honors for September with a 1.156 OPS and 2.0 fWAR, providing a cornerstone for the offense going forward. Utility player Spencer Steer underwent successful wrist surgery and is expected to be ready before spring training. The team also outrighted infielder Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville after he cleared waivers, reducing the 40-man roster to 38 players.