The Cincinnati Reds have officially entered the offseason, and they face some key choices regarding their roster.
Let’s review what those decisions might be.
Nick Martinez – Unrestricted Free Agent
After accepting a qualifying offer from the Reds last season, Nick Martinez is set to become a free agent this offseason.
Martinez brings value with his versatility—capable of both starting and pitching out of the bullpen. This season, he posted a 4.45 ERA over a career-high 165 2/3 innings. However, a return to Cincinnati seems unlikely. The Reds already have considerable depth in their starting rotation, and Martinez may command more money than the team is willing to spend on a bullpen arm.
Wade Miley – Unrestricted Free Agent
This move feels all but certain: the Reds are expected to part ways with Wade Miley, and retirement could very well be on the horizon for the veteran lefty.
Miley pitched in just three games for Cincinnati in 2025 before injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Emilio Pagan – Unrestricted Free Agent
Emilio Pagán signed a two-year deal with the Reds following the 2023 season, and that contract is now coming to an end.
He’s been open about how much he enjoys being part of the team and the organization, so a new deal isn’t out of the question. However, after recording a career-high 32 saves this season, Pagán could come with a hefty price tag. With the right-hander set to turn 35 in May, the Reds will need to weigh the cost against their bullpen priorities moving forward.
Zack Littell – Unrestricted Free Agent
The Reds traded for Littell to add to their pitching depth at this season’s trade deadline. The right-hander has his moments for the Reds, making 10 starts with an ERA of 4.39. The starting pitching market is expensive and I’d expect to see Littell pitching for another team in 2026.
Miguel Andujar – Unrestricted Free Agent
Miguel Andújar was another trade deadline addition for the Reds, brought in specifically for his ability to hit left-handed pitching—and he certainly delivered. In 34 games with Cincinnati, the 30-year-old posted an impressive .359/.400/.544 slash line with 11 extra-base hits.
Given that performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if both sides are interested in working out a new deal. The one drawback with Andújar is his defense—he’s below average in the field and was used almost exclusively as a designated hitter during his time with the Reds.
Austin Hays – $12 Million Mutual Option
Hays had a decent year for the Reds, but I don’t see any situation in which the Reds pick up his $12 mutual option.
The 30-year-old got off to a terrific start before dealing with multiple injuries. He slashed .266/.315/.453 with 36 extra-base hits over 103 games.
Despite the solid year, $12 million for Hays just doesn’t seem like it would make sense from Cincinnati’s perspective.
Brent Suter – $3 Million Mutual Option
I could see this one going either way. Suter is an interesting pitcher to have on your team. He rarely is going to pitch in a high-leverage situation, but he’s a great clubhouse guy and he’ll give you multiple innings at a time, which is huge for saving your bullpen throughout the season. I have no doubt Suter would accept his end of the deal. It just depends if the Reds feel he is worth $3 million.
Scott Barlow – $6.5 Club Option
Barlow had a really nice season for the Reds and took the ball whenever called upon. He appeared in 75 games for Cincinnati with a 4.21 ERA. Barlow got out of some big jams, but he wasn’t consistently used in high-leverage situations. It feels unlikely the Reds will decide to pick up his option at that price.
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