1 lightweight, 1 middleweight, and 1 heavyweight free agent target remaining for Reds

So far, the Cincinnati Reds’ pursuit of a top-flight free agent has been all for naught. Sure, Cincinnati has taken pains to improve the bullpen, but a Kyle Schwarber-esque deal for a big bat has eluded the club. Luckily, the Reds still have opportunities to upgrade at every level of the market.

The Reds added outfielders JJ Bleday and Dane Myers earlier last week, but could still use some pop in the middle of the batting order. As Cincinnati hopes to bolster the team's lineup heading into 2026, let's look at one heavyweight, one middleweight, and one lightweight free agent signing the Reds could still make this offseason.

The Reds still have a slew of free-agent options at all levels of the market

Cody Bellinger, free agent outfielder (heavyweight)

If the Reds intend to make a big splash, they could take aim at outfielder Cody Bellinger. His left-handed swing would fit perfectly at Great American Ball Park, which is the third-friendliest ballpark for lefties over the past three years.

Bellinger also plays plus defense in left field and can cover center field as well. The Reds have been open about their desire to give TJ Friedl some rest days in 2026, and Bellinger would enable the team to do that without sacrificing ability on the field and in the batter’s box.

Of course, the Reds will need to fend off big spenders like the New York Mets in order to sign Bellinger. The Athletic (subscription required) predicted that Bellinger could earn a seven-year, $182 million deal.

Schwarber’s $30 million AAV contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and Pete Alonso’s $31 million AAV deal with the Baltimore Orioles may indicate that Bellinger’s price will climb. After all, he, unlike those two, plays superlative defense and can weaponize his speed. After the Emilio Pagán signing, the Reds may not have the funds to make a legit run at Bellinger.

Harrison Bader, free agent outfielder (middleweight)

If Bellinger's price tag is too high, Cincinnati could shift their focus to a mid-market player and reunite with former outfielder Harrison Bader. The left fielder would still max out the Reds’ budget with a multi-year deal around $10-12 million per year.

Bader has lost a step with age and has seen his strikeout rate creep up, but he would still be an upgrade for the Reds, particularly if he slots into left field rather than center. Re-signing Miguel Andujar would be a great mid-tier move if the Reds are comfortable spending some cash on a platoon player.

Tommy Pham, free agent outfielder (lightweight)

It seems at this point, though, that the Reds’ best chance to make waves will be on the trade market. If Cincinnati goes that route and limits itself to a lower-rung signing, veteran Tommy Pham would be an interesting option.

Pham found enough success with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season to merit an affordable one-year deal. The veteran has gained a reputation for being unwavering and competitive, which could rub some teammates the wrong way, but for a Reds club that needs a bit more tenacity, Pham could be an interesting fit.