### CINCINNATI — After earning 83 wins and finally returning to the postseason in 2025 under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds achieved an important milestone. But if they want to go deeper into October — and ultimately chase a World Series title — there’s still plenty of work to be done. As the team heads into the 2026 offseason, here are five key questions Cincinnati must answer:
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#### **1. How can the Reds boost their offense?**
Cincinnati’s offense struggled throughout the year, ranking in the bottom half of MLB in most key categories — including 21st in home runs (167), 24th in weighted runs created (92 wRC+), and 28th in hard-hit rate (38.2%). The team also struck out frequently and went just 3-12 in extra-inning games, highlighting problems with situational hitting.
President of baseball operations Nick Krall said the team needs to make more consistent contact to take advantage of their hitter-friendly ballpark. Last offseason, with limited payroll flexibility, the Reds signed Austin Hays for $5 million, but injuries hindered his performance. Miguel Andújar, acquired at the Trade Deadline, contributed down the stretch but is now a free agent.
This winter, the Reds will likely look to add one or two impact bats, especially at left field, first base, or designated hitter — though their financial situation will play a big role in what moves they can make.
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#### **2. Could trading Hunter Greene bring back a big bat?**
Hunter Greene — a two-time Opening Day starter and 2024 All-Star — is under contract through 2028. While his high-velocity stuff makes him electric, repeated injuries have limited his workload, as he’s never thrown more than 150 innings in a season.
Despite a tough playoff debut, Greene could still attract strong trade interest. Moving him could free up payroll or bring back a middle-of-the-order hitter. Still, Krall emphasized that any deal would need to return Major League talent, not prospects alone.
“I don’t want to speculate about trades yet,” Krall said. “We haven’t had any real conversations with other clubs.”
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#### **3. Do the Reds have enough starting pitching?**
There’s a case to keep Greene too — pitching depth remains a concern. Cincinnati could return a rotation featuring Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Chase Burns, but several young arms (Rhett Lowder, Julian Aguiar, Brandon Williamson) missed the 2025 season due to injuries.
Their innings will need careful management next year, and Lodolo has also struggled to stay healthy. Veterans Zack Littell and Nick Martinez are free agents, leaving more uncertainty.
“You can come up short really fast if you start trading pitching,” general manager Brad Meador warned.
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#### **4. Will the bullpen need to be rebuilt?**
The bullpen was a strength late in the season, anchored by closer Emilio Pagán (2.88 ERA, 32 saves) and setup man Tony Santillan. However, Pagán and Martinez are free agents, while Scott Barlow and Brent Suter hold club options for 2026. Pagán wants to return, but it’s unclear if the Reds can afford him.
Several young relievers — including Graham Ashcraft, Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey — are expected to compete for roles. Phillips, a converted starter, thrived as a reliever late in the year. Still, Cincinnati’s front office has a history of successfully finding low-cost bullpen pieces and may need to do so again this winter.
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#### **5. Can the defense take another step forward?**
Although the Reds improved defensively compared to 2024, they remain below average overall. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz again led MLB in errors (26), often in key moments. The midseason addition of Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes solidified the infield, and Spencer Steer developed into a strong defender at first base.
In the outfield, TJ Friedl excelled in center, but overall metrics were poor — ranking near the bottom in outs above average (-12) and runs prevented (-11).
“We were toward the bottom of the league defensively,” Krall admitted. “We did okay in efficiency, but our range and consistency need to improve across the board.”
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In short, the Reds have made progress, but significant roster questions remain as they aim to turn their 2025 breakthrough into a sustained playoff run in 2026.
