4 Reds who are playing their way out of the team's 2026 plans

The 2025 season is not over yet, and the Cincinnati Reds are very much in the thick of the playoff hunt with just two weeks left in the season. But every at-bat and every pitch counts, and the Reds' front office is undoubtedly keeping a watchful eye on every player currently on the active roster.

Some players have greatly improved their standing with the team heading into the offseason. Brady Singer has become one of the most reliable pitchers on Terry Francona's staff this season, and it's a virtual lock that the right-hander will be back in 2026.

Others, however, have struggled down the stretch a return to Cincinnati next season could now be very much in doubt. Which four Reds players are playing their way of the team's plans in 2026?

These 4 players may not be back with the Reds in 2026

Gavin Lux, Reds infielder/ outfielder

There were stretches during the regular season when Gavin Lux looked like one of the Reds' best hitters. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case over the last few weeks. Since August 16, Lux owns a .167/.265/.283 slash line with a 51 wRC+. The power has been absent almost all season, and it's difficult to see the Reds giving Lux a raise through arbitration heading into the offseason.

Scott Barlow, Reds pitcher

Scott Barlow is on a one-year deal with a team-option for next season. Prior to the All-Star break, it seemed like a slam dunk that Cincinnati would exercise that option and bring Barlow back in 2026. He was striking out almost 10 batters per nine inning pitched and owned a 3.80 ERA and 3.94 FIP. Since then, however, Barlow's run out of gas and owns a 5.23 ERA is walking almost seven batters every nine innings. It's hard to see the Reds picking up Barlow's $6.5 million option with numbers like that.

Brent Suter, Reds pitcher

Much like Barlow, Brent Suter has a team-option for 2026, though his is only worth $3 million with a $250,000 buyout. It's possible the Reds see enough value in bringing Suter (as a veteran presence in the bullpen) that they pick up the option, but the southpaw has really struggled down the stretch. Once the calendar flipped to August, Suter has watched his ERA skyrocket to 9.56 over his last 16 innings of work. He'll needs some solid outings to end the season if he hopes to return in 2026.

Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder

Santiago Espinal has been a ghost for the better part of two weeks. Once Sal Stewart was called up, Espinal has been little more than an onlooker. With Stewart likely to get even more playing time in 2026, fans will probably see Spencer Steer take over as the Reds' premiere utility player, meaning there's no need to keep Espinal around next season.