4 former Terry Francona players who could headline the Reds’ 2025-26 offseason

If there’s one thing that no one can refute about Terry Francona, it’s that players love him. At every stop in his storied career, the Cincinnati Reds skipper has earned rave reviews

It might be time for the Reds to leverage those relationships into big-time moves this offseason. Here are four players that could reunite with Francona and instantly improve the Reds roster heading into the 2026 season.

4 former Terry Francona players who could headline the Reds’ 2025-26 offseason

Josh Naylor, first baseman

The Reds apparently already whiffed on this reunion once. Cincinnati reportedly engaged in trade talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to Josh Naylor’s trade to the Seattle Mariners. Had the Reds’ offer gone through, both the Reds and the Mariners could have been in very different positions right now. Thankfully, Naylor will be a free agent after the postseason, so the Reds can take a run at him without giving up the prospects that he would have cost in a trade.

Naylor became the player he is today under Francona’s watchful eye in Cleveland. In 2022 and 2023, Naylor formed his patient approach without sacrificing his power. He took a step back when Francona departed in 2024, but the current Naylor, the one who plays with abandon and surprisingly swipes bases left and right, strongly resembles the passionate youngster of Francona’s Cleveland days. Naylor would bring an energy to a Reds squad in dire need of an identity, even if Nick Krall needs to expand the budget in order to sign him.

Aaron Civale, pitcher

The Reds learned a bit too late that you can never have enough versatile pitchers. Right-hander Aaron Civale would bring the veteran depth that Cincinnati desperately needed in the season’s final days.

Civale took exception to being moved to the bullpen by the Milwaukee Brewers this year. But a well-liked manager like Francona, who guided Civale from his rookie year in 2019 through 2023, could possibly persuade the righty to take on a hybrid role. Civale could fill the void left by Nick Martinez at a fraction of Martinez’s cost.

Josh Bell, first baseman/ DH

Speaking of depth, Josh Bell still has enough pop to garner regular at-bats in the big leagues. The slugger, who played just 97 games under Francona before being dealt to the Miami Marlins in 2023, would not have quite the same impact as Naylor as a first baseman/DH, but he has a history of playing a key leadership role on a number of young squads.

With Miguel Andujar, Emilio Pagán, and other veterans entering free agency, the Reds could use a solid presence such as Bell’s in the clubhouse and in the lineup.

Steven Kwan, outfielder

Unlike the prior players, Steven Kwan is still under contract with the Guardians and will be for the next two seasons. The left fielder, though, has frequently been the subject of trade rumors and would be a great fit for Cleveland’s in-state rivals.

Kwan’s polished defense (three Gold Gloves and counting) and on-base skills would shore up the Reds’ outfield. Kwan, TJ Friedl, and Noelvi Marte would suddenly give the Reds an enviable five-tool outfield. Arbitration will significantly increase Kwan’s salary, but Cincinnati will be clearing some space from its payroll with the likely departure of Martinez and Pagán. The Reds have the prospects to get a deal done, and this one is a no-brainer.