The Cincinnati Reds clawed their way into the 2025 postseason, but their October stay was short-lived, courtesy of a swift exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, as the offseason heats up, the Reds are back at the drawing board - and one area that clearly needs attention is the lineup.
Enter Yandy Díaz.
The Reds have been linked as a potential landing spot for the Rays' veteran first baseman, a move that would add a steady, proven bat to a lineup that lacked consistency down the stretch. According to recent reports, Cincinnati is one of five teams reportedly in the mix for Díaz, alongside the Padres, Marlins, and Diamondbacks.
Now, Díaz isn’t going to wow anyone with speed or Gold Glove defense. That’s not his game.
But what he brings to the table is a level of offensive reliability that’s tough to find on the market - especially at his price point. Last season, he posted a .300 batting average with 25 home runs, and if he can come close to replicating that kind of production, he’d be a serious asset for any team looking to stabilize the middle of the order.
And the contract? It’s about as team-friendly as it gets in today’s market.
Díaz is on a $12 million deal for 2026, with a $10 million club option for 2027 that could vest at $13 million if he reaches 500 plate appearances. That’s a bargain for a bat with his track record, especially when you consider the rising cost of power and contact hitters in free agency.
Of course, the big question is whether Tampa Bay is actually willing to move him.
The Rays aren’t exactly flush with offensive depth, but they do have Jonathan Aranda as a potential replacement at first base and enough designated hitter at-bats to spread around. Still, there’s a sense around the league that Tampa Bay may not be eager to part with Díaz, who’s been a fixture in their lineup for the past seven seasons.
From the Reds’ perspective, this could be an ideal opportunity. Díaz likely wouldn’t require a top-tier prospect package in return, which makes him an appealing target for a team that wants to make a meaningful upgrade without mortgaging the future. That also means the Rays aren’t under pressure to move him unless the right deal comes along - but that’s exactly the kind of situation that can lead to a quiet, savvy acquisition.
Díaz isn’t the only name floating around in Rays trade discussions. Brandon Lowe is another veteran who’s expected to draw interest this winter. Whether either of them actually gets moved remains to be seen, but for a Reds team that’s looking to build on a playoff appearance and take the next step, Díaz could be the kind of low-risk, high-upside addition that helps turn the corner.
Keep an eye on this one. The Reds need bats, and Díaz fits the bill.