The Cincinnati Reds have made one thing clear this offseason: they’re on the hunt for power. And frankly, who can blame them?
Despite playing half their games in the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park, the Reds finished 21st in both home runs and slugging percentage last season. For a team trying to take the next step, that’s a glaring hole in the lineup.
Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer were the only Reds to crack the 20-homer mark in 2025, and only De La Cruz, Austin Hays, and TJ Friedl posted an OPS+ above league average. That’s not going to cut it for a club that wants to contend in a division that’s tightening up.
So yes, the focus on adding a legitimate power bat makes all the sense in the world. But here’s the thing - power alone won’t fix what’s holding this team back.
The bullpen needs just as much attention as the bats.
While the front office continues its search for a middle-of-the-order threat, it can’t ignore the other half of the equation: the bullpen. Credit where it’s due - re-signing Emilio Pagán was a smart move.
He’s been a steady hand in the late innings, and pairing him with Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft gives manager Terry Francona a solid trio to close out games. If the Reds have a lead heading into the seventh, they’ve got a chance to lock things down.
But getting to that point? That’s where things get tricky.
Right now, the bridge from the starting rotation to the back end of the bullpen is more of a question mark than a sure thing. The Reds are hoping that young arms like Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey can take a leap in 2026, but development takes time. Banking on multiple unproven relievers to suddenly become reliable high-leverage options is a gamble, and one that could backfire if the team finds itself in tight games come summer.
Cincinnati did add left-hander Caleb Ferguson this week, giving them a second southpaw alongside Sam Moll. That’s a step in the right direction, but even that comes with some uncertainty. Moll agreed to a one-year deal before the non-tender deadline, but with no minor league options remaining, his spot on the roster could be tenuous if he struggles out of the gate.
The market isn’t making things any easier.
Here’s the challenge: the bullpen market is booming. Mid-tier relievers are pulling in $5 million-plus deals, and the price tag for top-tier arms is skyrocketing.
That’s tough sledding for a Reds team working within a limited budget. It likely means Cincinnati will be combing through the bargain bin, looking for the next Scott Barlow-type - a low-cost arm with upside who can outperform expectations.
But that’s a risky game. For every Barlow, there’s a handful of relievers who don’t pan out. And if the Reds are serious about competing in 2026, they can’t afford to miss on too many of those bets.
Bottom line: it’s about balance.
The Reds’ pursuit of power is justified - they need more thump in the lineup to take advantage of their home park and keep up in a league where offense is king. But power alone won’t carry them through a 162-game grind. If the bullpen isn’t shored up, even the most explosive offense can’t protect a lead.
This offseason is about more than just adding a big bat. It’s about building a roster that can win close games, hold late leads, and survive the inevitable ups and downs of a long season.
The Reds have some pieces in place, but the work isn’t done. Not yet.