The Reds are heading into an offseason with plenty of work to do, and the list of possible departures is a long one.
Cincinnati wrapped up a frustrating year with a loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday, closing the book on a 75-87 season and missing the postseason. Before the front office starts filling all those holes, there’s a clear set of players who could be moving on.
Eugenio Suarez is one of the biggest names in that group. Cincinnati signed him to a one-year deal with a $16 million option for the 2027 season, but his year came in two very different halves.
He opened slowly, slashing .208/.285/.388 with 21 extra-base hits. Then he caught fire after the break, posting a .216/.490/.823 line with 23 extra-base hits, including 15 home runs.
The timing wasn’t ideal for the Reds, since his best stretch came after they were already out of contention, and it feels unlikely they’ll pick up that option.
Brady Singer also looks headed for the exit. The Reds’ decision to hold onto him at the trade deadline turned heads, and Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall even floated the possibility of a Qualifying Offer, especially with Hunter Greene set to miss next season.
But Singer’s finish made that look far less likely. The right-hander made 31 appearances and finished with a 5.85 ERA.
His 102 earned runs led the league, and it now seems like the Reds have probably seen his last outing in their uniform.
Tyler Stephenson presents a tougher call. Cincinnati kept him through the deadline as well, which was no small decision for a catcher who can hit.
He started slowly, but he found his footing and ended the season with a .214/.323/.404 slash line, 37 extra-base hits, and 15 home runs. The Reds should want him back, but the market for an offensive catcher could make that a difficult matchup.
Brock Burke is another free-agent case worth watching. Cincinnati landed the left-handed reliever in a deal that sent Gavin Lux to Tampa Bay, and Burke gave the Reds exactly what they could have hoped for.
He led the league with 77 appearances out of the bullpen and posted a 2.30 ERA, while striking out 74 batters in 74 1/3 innings. Relief arms, especially non-closers, usually don’t cost a fortune, so a return is possible depending on how the Reds choose to spend.
TJ Friedl’s situation is different, but his future is uncertain too. The Reds designated him late in the season, he cleared waivers, and he accepted an assignment to Triple-A Louisville.
It was easily the roughest year of his career, with a .172/.,255/.510 line and just 11 extra-base hits in 91 games. Terry Francona likes him, but it would still be a surprise to see him back in Cincinnati in 2027.
Pierce Johnson is also on the list. The Reds signed him to a one-year, $5.5 million deal, and he has a mutual option for 2027 worth $8 million.
That option almost certainly won’t be exercised by Cincinnati. Johnson pitched in 56 games and put up a 4.62 ERA, along with 42 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings.
If the Reds want him back, it would have to come on a new contract.
Will Benson rounds out the group. Like Friedl, he is eligible for minor league free agency.
Benson appeared in only 51 games for Cincinnati and slashed .188/.310/.333 with seven extra-base hits. After his huge 2023 season, he has struggled badly since, and a change of scenery wouldn’t be a shock.
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