The Cincinnati Reds are heading into spring training with a little extra business to handle before the first bullpen sessions even begin. Two key players-catcher Tyler Stephenson and reliever Graham Ashcraft-remain unsigned as arbitration hearings loom, but the club expects to have resolutions in place just in time for pitchers and catchers to report.
It’s not uncommon for arbitration talks to stretch into February, especially when both sides are holding firm. In this case, the Reds were able to strike deals with most of their arbitration-eligible players before the January deadline, but Stephenson and Ashcraft are the two holdouts. According to team president Nick Krall, the Reds are preparing to take both cases to hearings, though discussions have been ongoing.
Ashcraft’s hearing is set for Thursday, and it’s a relatively modest gap between the two sides-he filed at $1.75 million, while the Reds countered at $1.25 million. That $500,000 difference might not seem like much in the grand scheme, but arbitration is less about the amount and more about precedent, performance, and how each side frames the player’s value.
Ashcraft’s case is particularly interesting because of his role shift last season. After beginning his career as a starter, he transitioned into a high-leverage bullpen role, and the results were eye-opening.
That kind of versatility can be tricky to quantify in arbitration, where traditional starter or reliever comps are often used. His camp will likely argue that his impact out of the bullpen warrants a bump, while the Reds may lean on his limited service time and evolving role to keep the number lower.
Stephenson’s case carries a bit more weight, both financially and symbolically. When healthy, he’s been one of the more productive offensive catchers in the league-no small feat in today’s game, where catching depth is thin and offensive production behind the plate is hard to come by.
He filed at $6.8 million, with the Reds offering $6.55 million. That’s a slim margin, but again, arbitration isn’t just about dollars-it’s about how each side builds the narrative.
For Stephenson, injuries have been a factor in recent seasons, but when he’s on the field, the bat plays. He’s shown the ability to hit for average and get on base, and he’s been a steady presence behind the plate. The Reds will likely point to his missed time and defensive metrics, while his representatives will emphasize his offensive upside and the scarcity of catchers who can produce like he can.
The timing of Stephenson’s hearing-set for Monday, just one day before pitchers and catchers officially report-adds a layer of urgency. Ideally, both sides would like to avoid any lingering tension as camp opens, and while arbitration hearings are part of the business, they’re not exactly the kind of tone-setters you want heading into a new season.
In these hearings, a three-person panel listens to arguments from both the player and the team, then chooses one of the two submitted salary figures. There’s no middle ground-one side wins, one side loses.
The Reds have made it clear they’re ready for that process if it comes to it. But with spring training on the doorstep and a promising young core in place, getting these final deals done would go a long way toward starting the season on the right foot.