Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — October 11, 2026

The Reds are doubling down on Noelvi Marte's development despite his brutal 2026 season, sending the 24-year-old to play centerfield in the Dominican Winter League. Marte batted just .189 in 63 major league games this year, though he hit .332 at Triple-A Louisville, and the organization believes his youth and remaining minor league options justify continued investment. The focus for spring training will be correcting his chase rate rather than adjusting his defensive position.

Cincinnati's infield situation remains unsettled heading into the offseason. The Reds are exploring Jordan Westburg from Baltimore as a low-cost third base option, with the 27-year-old available at a discount due to an injury history that limited him to one season of 100-plus games. Meanwhile, Ke'Bryan Hayes continues to struggle offensively after posting a .419 OPS this season, but one analyst argues the team should avoid spending on a replacement given that Sal Stewart performed well at the plate last year and Spencer Steer is expected to return healthy from wrist surgery.

The Ryan Vilade trade to Tampa Bay in November 2025 now looks like a significant miss. Vilade has thrived with the Rays during their playoff run, including hitting a go-ahead home run in their ALDS victory, while the Reds' position players finished third-worst in baseball with minus-10 wins above average. The utility player had been blocked in Cincinnati by Matt McLain and Marte before being dealt away for cash, a move that highlights how the organization's roster construction left it short of contributors at non-pitcher positions despite having core talent like Elly De La Cruz and Stewart.