Miguel Andújar Heads to San Diego After Strong Finish with Reds; TV Shakeup Impacts Cincinnati’s Offseason
After the Reds brought back Eugenio Suárez on a one-year, $15 million deal earlier this week, the writing was on the wall for Miguel Andújar’s future in Cincinnati. The slugger, who carved out a productive role as the Reds’ designated hitter down the stretch in 2025, is now headed west - reportedly signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the San Diego Padres.
Andújar’s departure isn’t a surprise given the roster shuffle, but it’s still a notable one. The Reds acquired him in a deadline deal with the A’s last July, sending pitching prospect Kenya Huggins to Sacramento in exchange.
Despite battling injuries, Andújar made his presence felt in Cincinnati. Over 34 games, he slashed an impressive .359/.400/.544, with four homers and 17 RBIs.
He gave the Reds a spark in the second half, especially against left-handed pitching - where he absolutely torched southpaws to the tune of a .389/.409/.578 line.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed. Andújar reportedly had a healthy market this offseason, drawing interest from several clubs including the Reds, A’s, Rangers, Cardinals, and Cubs.
But with Luis Arraez now in San Francisco, the Padres had a clear need at designated hitter, and Andújar fits the bill. For San Diego, this looks like a savvy, low-risk move - adding a right-handed bat with real upside at a bargain price.
Back in Cincinnati, Suárez is expected to take over DH duties, effectively replacing Andújar’s role in the lineup. The Reds are clearly banking on Suárez’s power and veteran presence to anchor their offense, while likely using the remaining roster spots to evaluate younger talent and add depth.
Broadcast Changes Hit Reds Coverage as Annie Sabo Departs
Off the field, the Reds are also seeing changes in the broadcast booth. Annie Sabo, who joined the Reds’ pre- and postgame coverage on Bally Sports in 2022 and returned in 2025 after a brief absence, announced via social media that her time with the team has come to an end.
“My time in Cincinnati has come to an end. Thankful for my time there, and wish everybody nothing but the best ❤️ Not sure what lies ahead, but letting God handle the rest,” she wrote.
Sabo, the daughter of Reds Hall of Famer Chris Sabo, had become a familiar face for fans tuning in before and after games. But with the team’s broadcast rights shifting from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network - and now, with MLB taking over production - the Reds’ TV landscape is undergoing a major overhaul.
What that means for the rest of the broadcast team remains to be seen, but early indications suggest most of the crew will return. However, pre- and postgame coverage could be scaled back in 2026, which may explain why Sabo won’t be part of the team moving forward.
TV Deal Impacts Payroll Flexibility
The Reds’ new broadcast arrangement isn’t just a programming change - it’s also having a direct impact on the team’s financial picture. Initial reports indicate that the team was offered around $42 million to stay with its previous broadcast partner, down from the $52 million figure under the now-defunct deal. With MLB stepping in, the Reds are expected to receive even less in media revenue this season.
That tightening of the purse strings is already being felt. The Reds pushed past their expected payroll threshold to bring in Suárez, with ownership - led by Bob Castellini - greenlighting the move despite budget constraints. The team’s projected payroll now sits at $127 million, and that number isn’t expected to climb any higher before Opening Day.
So, what does that mean for Reds fans hoping for another splash? Don’t hold your breath. Barring any late surprises, the only additions expected before the team heads to Arizona for spring training will likely be minor-league deals with camp invites.
The Reds have made their moves. Now, it’s about seeing how the pieces fit - and whether this revamped roster can take the next step in 2026.