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Article Summary
The Cincinnati Reds used the 2025–26 offseason to stabilize their bullpen and improve roster depth after last year’s playoff run. While pitching reliability has improved, the offense still lacks proven power. With limited but real payroll flexibility remaining, the front office faces a familiar choice: add a short-term bat or trust internal growth.
Reds Offseason Context: Stability Over Splash
As winter drags on in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Reds have taken a measured approach to the 2025–26 offseason. Coming off a Wild Card appearance that exposed bullpen volatility and an underpowered lineup, the front office focused on fixing the most obvious weaknesses without locking itself into long-term commitments.
President of baseball operations Nick Krall made it clear early: payroll would remain close to last season’s level. That reality has shaped every move since.
What the Reds Have Actually Done: Bullpen First, Depth Everywhere
The most concrete changes came on the pitching side, where the Reds worked quickly to stabilize late innings.
Reds bullpen upgrades
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Emilio Pagán re-signed on a two-year deal after serving as the team’s most reliable closer
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Pierce Johnson added as a high-leverage right-hander
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Caleb Ferguson and Brock Burke brought in to deepen left-handed matchups
The bullpen now projects as deeper and more predictable — a meaningful upgrade for a team that struggled to close out games in 2025.
2026 Transactions & Roster Additions (So Far)
Beyond the headline bullpen moves, the Reds quietly added a significant amount of organizational depth:
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Multiple minor-league pitching signings, including Yunior Marte and other relief arms, to protect against injuries
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A minor-league outfielder signing from the Marlins organization, adding speed and defensive depth at Triple-A
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Arbitration deals finalized for key contributors, keeping the core intact without escalating payroll
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Continued international investment, reinforcing the long-term pipeline
None of these moves grab headlines, but together they show a front office prioritizing optionality.
The Gavin Lux Trade: Clearing Space, Not Making Noise
Trading Gavin Lux was less about production and more about roster logic. With Matt McLain returning and younger infielders pushing upward, Lux became expendable.
In return, the Reds acquired Brock Burke (mentioned above), a left-handed reliever who adds matchup flexibility and bullpen depth. The move also cleared payroll space, allowing the front office to address multiple needs without committing to a long-term bat.
Payroll Reality: Flexible, But Tight
Current projections place the Reds comfortably below the competitive balance tax threshold, even accounting for retained salary tied to Jeimer Candelario.
That leaves room for one targeted move, not a spree. Any addition must be short-term, affordable, and non-blocking — which narrows the market considerably.
What the Reds Still Need: Power but Cincinnati Reds payroll is Restrictive
The Reds ranked near the bottom of the league in power production in 2025. Speed and athleticism — led by Elly De La Cruz — helped mask the issue, but the lack of slugging showed up against playoff-caliber pitching.
Internal improvement is expected, but relying exclusively on development leaves little margin for error.
The Bat Market: Why Miguel Andújar Keeps Coming Up
This is where speculation — clearly labeled — enters the picture.
Miguel Andújar hit Reds free agency but continues to surface in league chatter for one simple reason: fit.
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Right-handed power that plays in Great American Ball Park
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Can DH or play corner outfield
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Short-term contract expectation
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Does not block top prospects
At an estimated $5–8 million on a one-year deal, Andújar represents the type of move the Reds can make — not the type fans dream about, but one that raises the offensive floor.
Other familiar names like Eugenio Suárez or Austin Hays fall into the same category: incremental improvement without long-term risk.
Prospects & Internal Power: The Bet Beneath the Surface
The Reds are also betting that power emerges internally.
Recent development buzz has centered on:
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Arnaldo Lantigua, whose raw power has moved him up prospect rankings
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José Franco, a bullpen arm who could contribute later in 2026
These players are not Opening Day answers — but they explain why the front office remains patient.
The Reds addressed what hurt them most. The bullpen should be better. The roster is deeper. The payroll is controlled.
What remains unresolved is the same question fans have been asking since October:
Is internal growth enough, or does this team need one more bat to take a real step forward?
That answer may not come until late in spring — or at all.
FAQs
Did the Reds improve this offseason?
Yes. Bullpen reliability and roster depth both improved. But the Cincinnati Reds payroll issues linger.
Is there still room to add a hitter?
There appears to be limited but real flexibility for a short-term bat.
Why does Miguel Andújar keep coming up?
Because his price, role, and skill set align with the Reds’ constraints.
Will the Reds contend in 2026?
They should remain competitive, but offensive consistency will determine their ceiling.
