Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — October 4, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds face a pitching coach search after Derek Johnson's departure, with the organization reportedly interested in pursuing Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake despite New York's stated intention to retain him. Blake, who has been with the Yankees since 2019, oversaw a staff that led baseball with a 3.24 ERA this season. The Reds have also interviewed internal candidates Oscar Marin and Matt Tracy for the position.

As the front office looks to reshape the roster, one potential avenue involves acquiring former top prospects who underperformed elsewhere. Brett Baty of the Mets represents a possible target—the 26-year-old left-handed hitter improved significantly in the second half of this season, batting .274 with eight home runs over 194 plate appearances while developing into a versatile defender capable of playing multiple infield and outfield positions. The Mets appear open to trading him, offering Cincinnati a cost-effective option to address roster gaps.

The Reds have also drawn criticism for their spending habits relative to small-market competitors. The Brewers, Guardians, and Rays have all built competitive rosters through trades and internal development rather than free agency, while Cincinnati spent nearly $24 million on free agents Eugenio Suárez, JJ Bleday, Michael Toglia, and Pierce Johnson with minimal return. The commentary suggests the organization should instead prioritize acquiring undervalued trade pieces and developing prospects like Alfredo Duno, Cam Collier, and Tyson Lewis.