Brady Singer might not carry the ace label, but don’t let that fool you-he’s been a steady presence in the Reds’ rotation, and his new one-year, $13 million deal says as much about his value as it does about Cincinnati’s current direction. For a team that’s long operated with a tight budget, that kind of investment in a back-end starter might raise eyebrows.
But Singer isn’t your typical No. 4.
The Reds avoided arbitration by locking in the right-hander, and just like that, he’s now the highest-paid player on the roster heading into 2026. That might sound like a stretch for a team that’s still building toward contention, but when you zoom out and look at the full picture, it’s not nearly as wild as it seems.
Singer’s Value Compared to Recent Spending Misfires
Let’s rewind to last season. The Reds handed Nick Martinez a one-year, $21.05 million deal after he accepted the qualifying offer.
Martinez had been a useful swingman, logging 82 appearances and 42 starts over two seasons, but he never quite lived up to that hefty price tag. In contrast, Singer delivered a solid return in his first year in Cincinnati, posting a 4.03 ERA and 3.98 FIP across 169 2/3 innings.
His 2.9 fWAR tied him with Hunter Greene for second-best among Reds starters, trailing only Andrew Abbott.
So while $13 million for a mid-rotation arm might not scream “bargain,” it looks a lot more reasonable when you consider what the Reds shelled out for far less production just a year ago.
A Veteran Presence in a Young Rotation
Singer’s importance goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s the oldest arm in a rotation stacked with young, high-upside talent.
That matters. In a group that includes the likes of Greene, Abbott, and several promising arms on the cusp, Singer provides a needed dose of experience and reliability.
He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable-and that’s gold over a 162-game grind.
Manager Terry Francona knows the value of having a guy like Singer around. He’s someone who can eat innings, keep the team in games, and be a steadying force when things get bumpy. That kind of presence is hard to replace, especially in a rotation that could soon be relying more heavily on unproven arms.
Trade Chatter and the Reds’ Pitching Depth
Of course, the trade rumors aren’t going away anytime soon. The Reds have quietly built one of the deeper pitching pipelines in the league, and that’s part of what makes Singer a potential trade chip.
With Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, and Jose Franco all pushing for MLB roles, Cincinnati has options. Trading Singer for a bat-something the Reds could certainly use-makes sense on paper.
But here’s the catch: depth can vanish fast in a long season. Injuries, regression, innings limits-they're all part of the equation.
Moving Singer might open up a spot for a young arm, but it also removes a layer of stability. That’s the risk.
Where the Reds Stand Financially
Despite the Singer deal, the Reds are still projected to open 2026 with a payroll below where they ended last season. That gives the front office some breathing room-and perhaps more importantly, flexibility.
Singer’s contract doesn’t handcuff them. It’s a manageable deal for a productive pitcher, and it keeps the team competitive while maintaining options for the future.
Bottom line: Brady Singer might not be the long-term centerpiece of the Reds’ rotation, but right now, he’s a valuable piece of the puzzle. Whether he’s toeing the rubber on Opening Day or eventually used to bring in a bat, Cincinnati’s in a good spot.
The smart play? Keep him around until the right deal-if one comes-makes the team better.
Until then, Singer’s presence gives the Reds a better shot at staying in the mix.