The Reds’ offseason won’t be defined by one move alone, but by whether they can lock in more of the young core that still gives this roster a future. Cincinnati already made one major commitment by signing Chase Burns to a massive contract extension that’s set to keep him in town for the foreseeable future, and the front office now has to decide which players deserve that same kind of bet.
Sal Stewart looks like the cleanest place to start. The rookie was good enough to justify an extension on merit alone, and he backed that up with over 30 home runs and over 110 RBIs.
Because he’s still early in his contract, an eight- or nine-year deal could still make sense for the Reds, especially with Stewart posting an OPS below .800 this season. If Cincinnati is going to make one big move this winter, this is the one that stands out.
Spencer Steer is another name worth watching. He has two years of arbitration left, and his market value took a hit because injuries cut into his season.
That doesn’t change what he brings when he’s right. Steer can be one of the best players in the Reds’ lineup, and he has a path back to the middle of the order next season.
Add in his defensive versatility, and a five-year extension could keep him in Cincinnati without stretching the budget too far.
Elly De La Cruz is the swing-for-the-fences option, even if it feels far-fetched. The idea of a long-term extension is there, but the numbers are another story.
De La Cruz could be in line for a deal worth nearly $700 million if he reaches free agency in a few years, which puts that kind of contract well beyond what the Reds can reasonably afford. Cincinnati should still make the offer and put something on the table, but after the season he just had, there’s almost no chance he would seriously consider what the Reds could pay.
In Other News...
Reds Suddenly Have A Prospect Climbing Faster Than Anyone Expected
Carter Grahams rise has been one of the more dramatic developments in the Reds farm system this year. After previous seasons left him looking like a fringe name and even put him in danger of being exposed to the Rule 5 Draft, he turned in a massive 2026 showing across two levels, hitting .300/.421/.565 with 29 home runs and 31 doubles. That kind of production changes the conversation quickly, and it has pushed him from afterthought territory into the upper tier of prospect lists.
For Cincinnati, the appeal is obvious: Graham suddenly looks like a player with a real path to major league relevance rather than just a depth piece in the organization. The question now is less about whether he belongs on the radar and more about how soon the Reds might have to make room for a bat that has climbed far faster than anyone expected. [Read more 🡒]
TJ Friedls Reds Story Ended Faster Than Fans Ever Expected
TJ Friedls run with the Reds had already been hanging by a thread after a season defined by offensive struggles and injuries, and the organization kept chipping away at his standing all year. He was demoted to Triple-A twice during the 2026 season, then hit another crossroads when Cincinnati placed him on waivers and designated him for assignment.
Friedl took the next step on Tuesday, when the teams transaction log showed he elected free agency. For a player who had been a familiar part of the Reds mix not long ago, the ending arrived quickly and quietly, leaving Cincinnati to move on while Friedl looks for a fresh start elsewhere. [Read more 🡒]
Elly De La Cruz Just Gave Reds Fans A Needed Reason To Hope
Elly De La Cruz gave the Reds a bright spot to hold onto in a season that ended far too soon. Named National League Player of the Month for September, he closed the year by hitting .348 with nine home runs, 19 RBIs and a 1.156 OPS, a stretch that reminded everyone just how dangerous his talent can be when everything is clicking.
Cincinnati still finished 75-87 and missed the postseason, so the late surge did little to change the bigger picture. Manager Terry Francona has already pointed to the disappointment of the season and the need for urgency and improvement this winter, which puts De La Cruzs breakout month in an interesting place: as a reason for hope, yes, but also as a reminder of how much more the Reds still need around him. [Read more 🡒]