Cincinnati Reds Off-Season Trade Targets: Potential Fits To Fix The Offense | MLB Hot Stove Rumors

Описание: Nick Kirby and Mike Hart break down 41 potential MLB trade candidates this offseason and evaluate each player’s possible fit or lack of fit with the Cincinnati Reds. Players discussed include Adley Rutschman, Ryan Jeffers, Yandy Díaz, Ryan Mountcastle, Jeff McNeil, Jazz Chisholm, Brandon Lowe, Ozzie Albies, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, Alec Bohm, Josh Jung, Anthony Volpe, Luis Robert Jr., Jarren Duran, Oneil Cruz, Taylor Ward, Steven Kwan, Lars Nootbaar, Jasson Domínguez, Nick Castellanos, Bryan Reynolds, Adolis García, Sonny Gray, Luis Severino, Sandy Alcantara, Mitch Keller, Jeffrey Springs, Freddy Peralta, Bailey Ober, MacKenzie Gore, Joe Ryan, Drew Rasmussen, Edward Cabrera, Carlos Estévez, Pete Fairbanks, Isaac Paredes, Brent Rooker, Matt Olson, Willson Contreras, and Brenton Doyle. From superstar trade targets to under-the-radar options, Nick and Mike analyze which players could realistically help the Reds in 2025 and beyond.

00:00 Will The Reds Make A Trade?
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43:23 Right Field
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The Cincinnati Reds head into the 2025-2026 offseason after an 83-79 season and a National League Wild Card appearance, though they fell quickly to the Los Angeles Dodgers. General manager Brad Meador and president of baseball operations Nick Krall aim to keep the young core intact while addressing roster gaps to secure a stronger playoff push in 2026. The goal is to lock in a Wild Card spot and win at least one postseason game in a tough NL Central alongside teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs.

The Reds plan to build around their young stars. Key position players returning include shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who will focus on refining his defense; infielders Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Ke'Bryan Hayes; outfielders TJ Friedl (likely in center), Noelvi Marte (shifting to right field with winter league prep), and Will Benson; and catcher Tyler Stephenson. Top prospect Sal Stewart, who shone in a late-season call-up, will compete for first or third base after offseason training. Christian Encarnacion-Strand is also in the mix for those spots. McLain, coming off an injury-riddled 2025, is expected to rebound with a healthy offseason. Manager Terry Francona’s full coaching staff will return, ensuring stability.

Offensively, the Reds struggled, ranking 14th in MLB with 4.42 runs per game and posting a .245/.315/.391 slash line despite playing in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Their home run differential was among the league’s worst, allowing 25 more homers than they hit. Adding middle-of-the-order power is the top priority, particularly in right field and at designated hitter, where fans are clamoring for impact bats. Potential free-agent targets include Anthony Santander, while trades could involve players like Luis Robert from the White Sox. However, with a payroll around $103 million, including arbitration, and the CBA expiring after 2026, big multi-year deals are unlikely. The Reds may explore extensions for Stephenson or Nick Martinez but will likely rely on growth from De La Cruz, Steer, McLain, Stewart, and Marte.

Pitching is a strength, with a rotation of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, Chase Burns, and Rhett Lowder. Young arms like Brandon Williamson, Antonio Aguiar, and Lowder will need careful workload management post-injuries. The depth allows trade flexibility—potentially even Greene—to acquire offensive help, though moves will be cautious. The bullpen faces decisions: Scott Barlow and Brent Suter’s club options may be declined, and free agents like Emilio Pagán, Martinez, Zack Littell, Austin Hays, Miguel Andujar, and Wade Miley could depart. A left-handed reliever is a priority. Non-tenders might include Ian Gibaut, Sam Moll, or Santiago Espinal.

Free agency starts soon after the World Series, with the Winter Meetings in early December as a key period for trades. Arbitration for 14 players is projected at $51.5 million, up significantly from 2025. Following last offseason’s trade model, the Reds could make similar moves to bolster the roster. With internal development and smart additions, Cincinnati has the potential to become a serious NL contender in 2026, capitalizing on its pitching and youthful core.