The Reds have plenty to sort out this offseason, but the biggest issue isn’t just filling holes on the depth chart. Cincinnati needs pitching, sure.
It needs bullpen help, a third baseman, a right-handed bat in the outfield, a catcher, and more. But the franchise’s real prize is something harder to buy: getting the most out of its young core.
That’s why Sal Stewart matters so much. The 22-year-old turned in a historic rookie season, one that made him the clear favorite for NL Rookie of the Year.
Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and JJ Wetherholt all put together solid debut years, but Stewart’s production stood out in a different class. With 30-plus homers, 100-plus RBI, and 15-plus stolen bases, only Jose Canseco had matched that kind of rookie line before, and that came back in 1986.
Even with that kind of output, Stewart is still a player with room to grow. His game is broad and promising, but it isn’t finished.
He appeared in all 162 games in 2026, something he was “rightfully” proud of, but the grind clearly caught up with him. By September, he was fading, and his worst month came with a .247/.287/.280 line.
That’s where Paul Goldschmidt enters the picture. After the Yankees’ playoff exit, Goldschmidt made it known that he still wants to play in 2027, and the Reds should be paying close attention.
Cincinnati could use him for more than just what he brings at the plate. He might be the ideal veteran presence for Stewart.
Goldschmidt’s value in that role is obvious. When Aaron Judge went down with a rib injury on May 31, Goldschmidt was pushed into regular duty and answered with a .297/.321/.564 line and eight home runs in June. Yankees manager Aaron Boone even called him “an amazing force with our team and our culture.”
That’s the kind of reputation that fits what the Reds should want around Stewart. Goldschmidt’s résumé speaks for itself: former NL MVP, seven-time All-Star, and four-time Gold Glove winner. If Stewart spends most of his time at first base, there’s real value in having someone around who can help sharpen the defensive side of the job.
He could also teach the daily habits that separate a good player from a complete pro. Conditioning, preparation, and mental toughness don’t show up cleanly in a stat line, but they matter when a player starts to wear down or fight through a slump. Stewart’s September dip made that point impossible to ignore.
At the same time, Goldschmidt isn’t built to carry an everyday workload over a long stretch anymore. He can handle regular reps in shorter bursts, especially when injuries create openings, but expecting that pace over a full season would be too much at this stage of his career.
What he still does exceptionally well is punish left-handed pitching. In 2026, he put up a .967 OPS against southpaws.
In 2025, that number was .981. In the right role, he can still produce like a star.
That leaves Cincinnati with a roster puzzle if it goes after him. The Reds could move Stewart to third base full time and look for a strongside platoon partner at first for Goldschmidt. Or they could keep Stewart shifting across the diamond in a loose platoon arrangement with the veteran.
Those are real questions, but they come second. The bigger payoff is what Goldschmidt could mean for Stewart behind the scenes. If the Reds believe in building around their young cornerstone, then adding the right mentor might matter just as much as adding another bat.
In Other News...
Reds May Have To Gamble To Fix Their Second Base Problem
The Reds are heading into an offseason where second base looks like one of the clearer spots to upgrade, and that search may force them to balance need against risk. MLB.coms Mark Feinsand pointed to Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm as a possible fit for Cincinnati, a name that makes sense on paper because the Reds have not gotten enough offense from the position and need more impact somewhere in the middle of the lineup.
Chisholms recent track record is exactly why this kind of fit is not simple. He delivered a strong 2025 season, then followed it with a downturn in 2026, which means any pursuit would have to account for both the upside and the uncertainty. For the Reds, the question is whether they are willing to make a meaningful commitment to solve a problem that has lingered, or whether they prefer to wait for a cleaner answer elsewhere. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Could Target A Cheap Outfield Option Fans Overlooked
As the Reds sort through their offseason roster plans, they are looking at the usual mix of headline-grabbing free agents and quieter, cheaper options who could still fit a need. One name that pops up in that second lane is Drew Waters, the former Royals prospect who recently elected free agency and could appeal as a low-risk addition for a club that values versatility and athleticism in the outfield.
Waters did not get a big league look last season, but his profile still makes him interesting for Cincinnati. His switch-hitting bat, baserunning ability and defensive value give him a chance to compete for a reserve role, especially if the Reds want insurance across the outfield without committing significant money or a guaranteed everyday spot. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Face A Messy Offseason That Could Reshape Their 2027 Lineup
The Reds spent the 2026 season sorting through a roster that still feels like it is being built around a few core names, and the look ahead to Opening Day 2027 already has that same uneasy mix of promise and uncertainty. Elly De La Cruz remains the headliner, Spencer Steer is still part of the conversation, and Hunter Burns has emerged as one of the most important pieces in the picture after what he showed last year.
What makes the offseason especially interesting is how much could still change before the lineup card is ever written. Hunter Greenes injury clouds the pitching plan, Nick Lodolos status is part of the trade chatter, and third base is among the spots that may need help if the front office decides to go outside the organization. The Reds have enough talent to imagine a competitive group again in 2027, but the exact shape of that group could hinge on a few moves that are far from settled. [Read more 🡒]