Sunday, November 02

CINCINNATI -- Once the World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays reaches its conclusion, marking the formal end of the 2025 season, the business of retooling, reloading or rebuilding for 2026 begins in earnest for all 30 MLB clubs.

There definitely won't be another dreaded rebuild for the Reds but instead more of a retooling or a refining of a club that won 83 games and a National League Wild Card spot under manager Terry Francona during his first season with Cincinnati.  

Once again, it will be the job of president of baseball operations Nick Krall and general manager Brad Meador to put together a roster for Francona. The ultimate goal in front of all: more regular-season wins and a much deeper run in the postseason than just playing in the first round before a quick elimination.

In an FAQ format, this is some information and key dates to help prepare you for the Hot Stove season ahead.

Which players are free agents?

Designated hitter/outfielder Miguel Andujar, right-handed pitchers Zack Littell, Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagán and left-handed pitcher Wade Miley will be free agents. None of the pending free agents are likely to receive a qualifying offer that could keep them in Cincinnati for one more year, and Martinez is ineligible, as he received a QO in 2024.

Which players have an option?

Outfielder Austin Hays ($12 million mutual option, $1 million buyout), left-handed pitcher Brent Suter ($3 million club option, $250,000 buyout) and right-handed pitcher Scott Barlow ($6.5 million club option, $1 million buyout) all have a contract option.

Which players are eligible for arbitration?

Right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft, outfielder Will Benson, infielder/outfielder Santiago Espinal, outfielder TJ Friedl, left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo, infielder/outfielder Gavin Lux, second baseman Matt McLain, lefty Sam Moll, righty Tony Santillan, righty Brady Singer, first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer and catcher Tyler Stephenson are all eligible.

Who might be a non-tender candidate?

Espinal and Moll are potential non-tender candidates. The deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players is Friday, Nov. 21.

Who needs to be added to the 40-man roster and be protected from the Rule 5 Draft?

The deadline to protect players ahead of the Rule 5 Draft is 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Three players to watch for here are shortstop Edwin Arroyo (No. 8 prospect), outfielder Héctor Rodríguez (No. 9 prospect) and infielder Leo Balcazar (No. 23 prospect). 

What types of improvements do the Reds need to make? 

It might sound repetitive from the previous offseason, but Krall and the Reds again are targeting players who can improve the club both offensively and defensively. 

"We’ve got to improve both aspects of our position players," Krall said on Oct. 6. “I think we need to improve across the board offensively. We had guys that had down years. Some of it’s going to be internal. Some of it might be bringing somebody in from the outside.

"We did a good job with defensive efficiency, but our defensive range and everything could be better across the board.”

With closer Pagán and swingman Martinez being free agents, replacing them in the bullpen will also be a priority. Pagán has indicated an interest in returning, however. 

Will the Reds be active in free agency? Who might they target?

One of the biggest free agents on the market is designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who happened to grow up in the Reds' backyard of Middletown, Ohio. But especially after he hit 56 home runs for the Phillies in 2025, the idea of Schwarber signing a mega deal with his hometown club seems more fantasy than reality. Kyle Tucker, Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman would all be big offensive boosts, but they also will be seeking massive contracts. 

It would be a major departure from recent history if the Reds made big splashes in the free-agent market. Most likely, the signings will be in the lower-to-middle end of the market. Cincinnati's best chance to upgrade its lineup significantly seems more likely to happen via a trade.

Is there room in the budget to make additions?

That remains to be seen. Krall said on Wednesday that the hope is for baseball operations to have its 2026 budget by next week.

Who might the Reds be willing to trade?

One area where the Reds have depth is starting pitching, although the front office is reluctant to part with pitchers to protect against injury and other attrition. The best and biggest trade chip the club has is Hunter Greene, who has three years and approximately $42 million left on his six-year contract through 2028 -- with a club option for '29. With his cost certainty and a club-friendly deal, Greene could net the best return for Cincinnati to fill its needs elsewhere.

Key offseason dates

First day after the World Series: Eligible players become free agents. That starts a five-day “quiet period” in which free agents may negotiate only with their own team. Also, the trade freeze is lifted and Major League players may be traded between clubs.

Nov. 10-13: General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas

Nov. 18: The deadline to protect players ahead of the Rule 5 Draft

Nov. 21: The deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players

Dec. 8-11: Winter Meetings in Orlando. These include the MLB Draft lottery on Dec. 9 and the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 10.

Dec. 15: End of the 2025 international signing period

Jan. 8, 2026: Eligible players and clubs exchange arbitration figures

Jan. 15, 2026: Start of the new international signing period

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