The Cincinnati Reds made their deadline choices, but Tyler Stephenson’s name carried a different kind of weight than most.
While players such as Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, and Brady Singer were all talked about as possible trade pieces, the Reds ultimately held onto Stephenson, even though his contract is expiring. That decision stood out. It suggested Cincinnati may want to keep the door open on a new deal for the catcher once free agency arrives this winter.
That kind of reunion, though, is not going to come cheap. Spotrac recently projected Stephenson to land a 4-year, $46 million contract in free agency, a number that would fit within the Reds’ budget but still represent a meaningful commitment for a team that has not always been aggressive in deals of that size.
Stephenson’s value starts with the position he plays. Catcher always gives a player an added premium, and his bat only strengthens the case.
He has posted an OPS+ of 100 or better in six of his seven big-league seasons, which makes him more than just a steady glove behind the plate. He brings real offensive consistency, and that is part of why Cincinnati appears interested in bringing him back.
If the Reds had wanted out, the deadline would have been the time to act. They didn’t move him then, and that decision can be read as a signal heading into the offseason.
Cincinnati is not likely to have an easy path, though. The New York Yankees are one team that could be in the mix, and they have the financial firepower to push past the Reds if they choose. That leaves Stephenson in a strong position as he approaches the market, with his combination of value and consistency likely to draw plenty of attention.
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Reds Suddenly Face A Bullpen Reset With Big Money Decisions Ahead
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Cincinnati also moved on from Eugenio Suarez and Pierce Johnson by declining their 2027 options, with Johnson receiving a $1 million buyout. The trios departures create a clear reset point for the Reds, who now have to decide how much they want to spend to rebuild the back end of the roster and how aggressively they want to chase stability in the market. [Read more 🡒]