3 key moves that can save the Reds' offseason despite a frozen payroll

As expected, the Cincinnati Reds ownership group is not going to do the front office any favors this offseason. Earlier this week, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall revealed that the team's 2026 payroll will be about the same as it was this past season.

According to Cot's Baseball contract, Cincinnati's Opening Day payroll was almost $112 million, though they ended the year with a collection of contracts that added up to just over $116 million. Current payroll projections for 2026 have the Reds sitting at about $95 million. That gives Krall and Co. approximately $20-25 million to play around with this offseason.

In the grand scheme of things, that's not a lot of money. While Cincinnati can still free up some extra cash by non-tendering or trading some of their arbitration-eligible players, it's safe to assume that the Reds won't be spending much beyond $25 million this winter. How can the Reds improve the roster despite a frozen payroll?

3 major moves the Reds can still make despite a frozen payroll

Trade young prospects to the Rays for 1B/ DH Yandy Diaz

The Reds need to add some thump to the middle of their lineup, and Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Diaz would be quite the acquisition this offseason. The 34-year-old will be entering the final year of his contract after the Rays exercised his $12 million team-option; a figure that's more than doable for Cincinnati despite their payroll freeze.

Some fans are sure to believe that adding a first base/ DH-type player like Diaz will only cripple Sal Stewart's development and reduce Spencer Steer's role in 2026. It's possible, however, for all three players to receive adequate playing time. Don't forget, Stewart also has experience at third base, and Steer can play multiple positions, including left field. Diaz's bat would profile nicely alongside Elly De La Cruz next season.

Trade starter Brady Singer to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward

This is a deal that the Reds should've made the moment the offseason began. Though Brady Singer was a fine addition to the rotation in 2025, he's going to be the highest-paid player on the Reds roster in 2026. Most estimates assume that the right-hander will earn close to $12 million. Cincinnati has plenty of depth in their starting rotation, and if Singer could fetch a quality bat, the Reds should pull the trigger.

Enter Taylor Ward. The Los Angeles Angels outfielder was mentioned as potential trade fit for Cincinnati last season, and with a 2026 salary that's likely to mirror Singer's, the Reds would effectively be swapping an arm for a bat without adding anything to the payroll. This is the type of win-win trade that seems too good to be true.

Invest remaining payroll into the bullpen

If, as it was stated at the beginning, the Reds have approximately $25 million to operate with this winter, then Cincinnati's front office would still have about half of that total remaining after swinging trades for Diaz and Ward. Every last ounce of the remaining budget should then be used to strengthen the Reds bullpen.

At a glance, if the Reds don't re-sign Emilio Pagán, the backend of Cincinnati's relief corps will be headed by Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft. Rookies like Luis Mey, Zach Maxwell, and Connor Phillips round out the remaining arms on the roster, meaning the Reds need to bolster the bullpen this offseason. Securing at least one, if not two, high-leverage lefties should be on the docket.

The Reds front office is used to operating on a budget, but after making it to the playoffs last season, hopes are high among the Cincinnati faithful that the team can return to the postseason in 2026. Some savvy additions will be necessary in order to help the Reds compete despite not adding extra cash to next year's payroll.