Reds FeedNick Lodolo
P · Age 28 · Bats Left · Throws Left
Where things stand
Nick Lodolo enters the 2027 offseason as a locked-in member of Cincinnati's rotation alongside Chase Burns and Andrew Abbott, though his value has diminished after a difficult 2026 season marked by blister issues and a 5.48 ERA. The left-hander is headed to arbitration with an estimated salary of $5.7 million, reflecting his status as an established starter despite recent struggles. While some trade speculation has surfaced—including a potential deal to Houston for third baseman Isaac Paredes—the Reds appear committed to keeping Lodolo and addressing their pitching concerns through coaching changes and free agent additions rather than trading away young arms.
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Nick Lodolo coverage
Reds could make a costly mistake by chasing buy low trades
The Cincinnati Reds face a difficult offseason situation as they shift toward acquiring contact hitters and well-rounded players. Key roster members like Ke'Bryan Hayes, Matt McLain, Nick Lodolo, and Hunter Greene all had poor 2026 seasons, making it risky to trade them away at low value. General Manager Nick Krall has had success with low-cost free agent signings like Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday, but the team lacks the financial resources and prospect depth to make major moves in free agency or trades. The Reds may be better served allowing their current players to recover and rebuild their value rather than pursuing aggressive roster changes.
Blog Red MachineSonny Gray’s plans give the Reds an exciting rotation opportunity (but there's a catch)
The Cincinnati Reds need starting pitching depth with Hunter Greene out for 2027 and Brady Singer in free agency, leaving only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. Sonny Gray, who recently confirmed he wants to pitch in 2027 after considering retirement, could be an option on a one-year deal; the 36-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA over 29 starts this season. However, Gray has expressed discomfort pitching in major markets like New York and Boston, which limits his options if he prioritizes winning, potentially making Cincinnati a viable destination if other contenders pass.
Blog Red MachineCRITICAL: Cincinnati Reds MUST Get the Pitching this Offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face a critical offseason need to upgrade their pitching staff, with concerns about the rotation's performance and questions surrounding Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott. The hosts discuss potential free agent targets like Tarik Skubal, Sonny Gray, and Michael Soroka, while also evaluating position player gaps at catcher, second base, and outfield that need addressing. The episode examines whether general manager Nick Krall will pursue aggressive moves through trades and free agency or settle for budget-friendly options that could limit the team's competitive window.
Locked On RedsAstros could help solve Reds' third base problem, but it might cost them Nick Lodolo
The Cincinnati Reds' third base position was historically unproductive in 2026, ranking last in most offensive categories, with Ke'Bryan Hayes delivering one of baseball's worst individual performances at .141/.225 with a 13 wRC+. Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros, a two-time All-Star who hit over 20 home runs for the fifth time in six seasons, could address this need, but acquiring him would likely require the Reds to trade pitcher Nick Lodolo. The Astros need rotation help after their starters ranked 27th with a 4.81 ERA, and Lodolo's left-handed arm would complement Houston's predominantly right-handed rotation, though he struggled with a 5.48 ERA and blister issues in 2026.
Blog Red MachineOVERHAUL: Cincinnati Reds Must HIRE External Pitching Coach After Derek Johnson's Departure
The Reds need to hire an external pitching coach to replace Derek Johnson and address the team's ongoing struggles with command and walk rates among their young rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson. The hosts argue that internal candidates like Matt Tracy and Oscar Marin are insufficient and that the organization must also prioritize strengthening its minor league pitching development to restore Cincinnati's reputation as a pitching factory. They discuss what went wrong in 2026 and what qualifications an outside hire must have to unlock the potential of this talented but underperforming staff.
Locked On RedsA closer look at the the dozen Cincinnati Reds headed through arbitration
The Cincinnati Reds face a roster transition as twelve players enter arbitration ahead of the 2027 season, with combined salaries expected to reach nearly $43 million. Elly De La Cruz leads the group at an estimated $7.9 million, followed by Spencer Steer and Nick Lodolo at $5.7 million each, reflecting strong recent production from these players. The situation highlights a challenge for the Reds, who traded away established stars in 2022 to invest in younger, cheaper talent but have yet to achieve playoff success with their rebuilt roster. The front office must now decide whether to pay increased salaries to retain this core or pursue another rebuild with younger, less expensive players.
Red ReporterIt’s official – the Cincinnati Reds are running it back in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds ownership confirmed that general manager Nick Krall and the front office will remain in place for 2027 despite a disappointing 2026 season. Pitching director Derek Johnson will depart his role after being on leave since June, but the same decision-makers will handle his replacement. The team enters the offseason with limited trade assets, as several young players like Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Hunter Greene experienced setbacks or injuries that diminished their value. With only modest free-agent spending power available, the front office faces pressure to find value in a thin market after years of struggles in player acquisitions.
Red ReporterREVEALED: CINCINNATI REDS 2026 Collapse—Did Terry Francona’s DECISIONS Make Or Break The Team? | Cincinnati Reds Podcast
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a disappointing 75-87 record, and the episode examines whether manager Terry Francona's decisions contributed to the collapse. Despite bright spots like Elly De La Cruz's 30-30 season, Sal Stewart's rookie success, and Chase Burns' emergence as an ace, the team struggled with offensive inconsistency, rotation injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, and bullpen fatigue, while Francona faced criticism for his reluctance to adjust lineups and his reliance on underperforming veterans. The host grades Francona's 2026 performance a C and questions whether he can adapt his managing style to maximize young talent like Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain heading into 2027.
Locked On RedsBrandon Williamson and Carson Spiers made life harder for the Reds this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face rotation uncertainty heading into 2027 with only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo locked in as starters, leaving multiple spots to fill after Brady Singer enters free agency. Brandon Williamson and Carson Spiers, both 28-year-old pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, had September opportunities to audition for rotation spots but failed to impress. Williamson posted a 5.94 ERA in Louisville before returning to the majors with a 5.70 FIP over 24⅔ innings, while Spiers allowed four home runs and five earned runs across just six September innings. Both pitchers' injury histories and poor late-season performance have complicated the Reds' plans to fill their rotation needs for next season.
Blog Red MachineA Cincinnati Reds offseason plan worth trying
The Cincinnati Reds need significant roster changes to compete in 2027, starting with signing multiple established hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ian Happ, and Randy Arozarena to replace underperforming players. The author recommends keeping Eugenio Suarez at third base and extending catcher Tyler Stephenson while building around shortstop Elly De La Cruz and first baseman Sal Stewart. On the pitching side, the team must address the coaching staff and add starting pitchers to support a rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Nick Lodolo, and Brandon Williamson. The proposed lineup would feature average-to-above-average offensive production throughout, a significant improvement over 2026 when multiple everyday players posted extremely low offensive numbers.
Redleg NationCincinnati Reds vs. Toronto Blue Jays – Nick Lodolo vs. Jose Soriano
The Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays play their final series of the season on Friday, with Nick Lodolo starting for Cincinnati and Jose Soriano pitching for Toronto. Both teams are out of playoff contention, but individual milestones remain in play: Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is one stolen base away from the 30/30 club after hitting his 30th home run, and teammate Sal Stewart is competing for the league lead in RBIs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 PM ET.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds vs Toronto Blue Jays – September 25, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays conclude their seasons tonight, with both teams finishing last in their divisions and below .500. Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo takes the mound against Blue Jays right-hander Jose Soriano, who was acquired at the trade deadline and has posted a 4.73 ERA in nine starts with Toronto. Lodolo has struggled this season with a 5.04 ERA, hampered by blister issues that forced him to alter his breaking ball grip, while both left-handed and right-handed hitters have found success against him. The game begins at 7:07pm ET at Rogers Centre.
Redleg NationScathing Reds' report lets Nick Krall off the hook (but can't absolve him completely)
The Athletic reported that Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini and President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall had a tense meeting earlier this season, where Castellini questioned why the team couldn't sustain success like the Milwaukee Brewers. Krall reportedly presented a list of trades he wanted to make to build a young talent base, but Castellini rejected proposals that would have involved trading established players like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. While the report suggests Castellini blocked potentially beneficial trades, Krall remains responsible for questionable deals he did complete, including acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes for prospect Sammy Stafura and trading Luis Castillo for a package that included Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte.
Blog Red MachineBrandon Williamson has one more chance to reshape the Reds' 2027 plans
Brandon Williamson pitched six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday, allowing just three hits while inducing seven ground ball outs in his best start of the season. With Chase Burns sidelined by a groin strain, Williamson will make the Reds' final start of 2026 against Toronto on Sunday, and a strong performance could secure him a spot in Cincinnati's 2027 rotation. The Reds face significant rotation uncertainty heading into next season, as Hunter Greene will miss the year following Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer enters free agency. Williamson, who missed time earlier this year with shoulder fatigue, has posted a 3.32 ERA over 20 innings this month and could become a key piece alongside Lodolo, Burns, and Abbott.
Blog Red MachineREDS POSTCAST: Cincinnati Reds Celebrate Eugenio Suarez’s 350th HR, Elly De La Cruz CHASES 30/30
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Atlanta Braves behind Brandon Williamson's dominant six-inning shutout performance. The episode highlights Eugenio Suarez reaching his 350th career home run and Elly De La Cruz's pursuit of the 30/30 milestone, while also examining the Reds' rotation depth with Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo as the team pushes for a late playoff run.
Locked On RedsReds may keep Nick Krall but a coaching shakeup looms for 2027
The Cincinnati Reds plan to retain president of baseball operations Nick Krall and manager Terry Francona into 2027, though both decisions have drawn criticism from fans. However, the organization is expected to make significant coaching changes, with hitting coach Chris Valaika and pitching coach Derek Johnson identified as the most vulnerable. Valaika's tenure has been marked by poor situational hitting despite an increase in home runs, while Johnson, currently on leave since May, failed to address pitcher Nick Lodolo's recurring blister problems stemming from his breaking ball grip. The Reds' pitching staff has struggled significantly this season, with starters posting a 4.93 ERA (27th) and the bullpen at 4.82 ERA (25th).
Blog Red MachineLodolo hopes to finish strong after settling nagging blister issue
MLB.com RedsREDS POSTCAST: Cincinnati Reds’ Nick Lodolo DOMINATES in Start Despite Loss – Elly De La Cruz Shines
The Cincinnati Reds fell to the Chicago Cubs despite a dominant performance from Nick Lodolo, who pitched seven strong innings in what may be his best outing of the season. Elly De La Cruz continued to impress with stellar defense and disciplined hitting, while the Reds' offense struggled to provide run support, with questions raised about whether recent roster moves and lineup adjustments can spark more consistent production going forward.
Locked On RedsReds Fail to Mount a Comeback Against Cubs Bullpen, Lose 5-2
The Reds lost to the Cubs 5-2 in Cincinnati's final home night game of 2026, with the Cubs' bullpen shutting down any Cincinnati comeback attempts. Nick Lodolo allowed three runs through seven innings for the Reds, while Matthew Boyd earned the win for Chicago. Michael Busch's solo home run in the sixth inning proved decisive, breaking a 2-2 tie and giving the Cubs a lead they maintained through the eighth and ninth innings.
Redleg NationChicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – September 19, 2026
The Reds won Friday's series opener against the Cubs and host Chicago again Saturday at 6:40pm ET at Great American Ball Park. Nick Lodolo starts for Cincinnati with a 5.12 ERA this season, while Matthew Boyd takes the mound for Chicago with a 4.16 ERA. Lodolo has struggled with consistency after dealing with blister issues, while Boyd has pitched significantly better on the road (2.95 ERA) than at home (5.53 ERA) this year. Cincinnati made four roster moves today, optioning TJ Friedl and Julian Aguiar while calling up reliever Zach McCambley and activating Oswaldo Cabrera.
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