The 2025 season isn’t over yet, and with just two weeks remaining, the Cincinnati Reds are still firmly in the playoff race. Every pitch and plate appearance carries weight, and the Reds’ front office is surely monitoring the current roster closely.
Some players have significantly boosted their stock as the offseason approaches. Brady Singer, for example, has emerged as one of the most dependable arms in Terry Francona’s rotation and seems like a near-lock to return in 2026.
On the flip side, a few players have faltered down the stretch, putting their future with the team in jeopardy. So, which four Reds may be playing their way out of Cincinnati’s 2026 plans?
These 4 players will not be back with the Reds in 2026
Gavin Lux, Reds infielder/ outfielder
At times during the regular season, Gavin Lux appeared to be one of the Reds’ most effective hitters. However, his performance has taken a sharp downturn in recent weeks. Since August 16, he’s posted a disappointing .167/.265/.283 slash line with a 51 wRC+, and his power has been virtually nonexistent throughout the year. Given that decline, it’s hard to imagine the Reds justifying an arbitration raise for Lux this offseason.
Scott Barlow, Reds pitcher
Scott Barlow is on a one-year deal with a team-option for next season. Prior to the All-Star break, it seemed like a slam dunk that Cincinnati would exercise that option and bring Barlow back in 2026. He was striking out almost 10 batters per nine inning pitched and owned a 3.80 ERA and 3.94 FIP. Since then, however, Barlow’s run out of gas and owns a 5.23 ERA is walking almost seven batters every nine innings. It’s hard to see the Reds picking up Barlow’s $6.5 million option with numbers like that.
Brent Suter, Reds pitcher
Like Barlow, Brent Suter has a team option for 2026 — though his is a more modest $3 million, with a $250,000 buyout. The Reds might consider picking it up, especially if they value his veteran presence in the bullpen. However, Suter has had a rough stretch lately. Since the start of August, his ERA has ballooned to 9.56 over his last 16 innings. He’ll need a strong finish to the season to bolster his chances of returning next year.
Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder
Santiago Espinal has been a ghost for the better part of two weeks. Once Sal Stewart was called up, Espinal has been little more than an onlooker. With Stewart likely to get even more playing time in 2026, fans will probably see Spencer Steer take over as the Reds’ premiere utility player, meaning there’s no need to keep Espinal around next season.
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