4 Reds who needed to go heading into 2026 and 2 who never should’ve left

The Cincinnati Reds trimmed a lot of fat from the 40-man roster this past winter. Several players either entered free agency or were traded away, while others were simply outrighted to the minor leagues or released.

This type of roster turnover happens every year, and there are times when fans wish the front office would've made the opposite decision. For example, most Reds fans probably didn't shed tear when Luke Maile was let go last winter, but trading Fernando Cruz to the New York Yankees was somewhat controversial.

Most Reds fans have little-to-no issue (at the moment) with the moves Nick Krall and Reds front office have made this offseason, but there's at least two players who were let go that could spark some regret among the Cincinnati faithful.

4 Reds players who needed to go heading into 2026

Wade Miley, Reds pitcher

This was a no-brainer. Wade Miley attempted to make a comeback following Tommy John surgery in 2024, and the Reds risked virtually nothing by giving him that opportunity. But after watching Miley landed on the IL after just three appearances in the big leagues, it was painfully obvious that there was no need for a reunion in 2026.

Zack Littell, Reds pitcher

The Reds would've loved to have Zack Littell back in 2026, but the price point was never going to work out. It's somewhat surprising that he's' still on the free agent market after posting a respectable 3.81 ERA and logging over 185 innings. But the Reds have more than enough depth in the starting rotation, and Littell is homer-prone; something that doesn't translate well inside Great American Ball Park.

Gavin Lux, Reds infielder

There were times throughout the winter when it looked as though the Reds were planning to hitch their wagon to Gavin Lux for another season. Thankfully, Cincinnati found a trade partner and were able to pick up a quality left-handed reliever in the process. Lux isn't a bad player, but he's a poor fit on the Reds roster.

Yosver Zulueta, Reds pitcher

Yosver Zulueta found success in the minor leagues last season, and was given multiple opportunities to stick on the Major League roster. Unfortunately, he was never able to put it all together, and posted an anemic 6.14 ERA and 15.6% strikeout rate in his seven big-league appearances. The Reds have a bevy of young pitchers looking to make their mark in 2026, and Cincinnati was right to trade Zulueta.

2 Reds players who never should’ve left

Scott Barlow, Reds reliever

While Cincinnati's young crop of relief pitchers are talented, one has to wonder how durable they'll be during the upcoming season. Though Scott Barlow's second-half performance wasn't nearly as productive as his first-half, the right-hander had no problem answering the bell. He made 70 appearances last season and covered more than 68 innings. Hopefully the Reds don't regret allowing their workhorse exit this winter.

Brent Suter, Reds reliever

Brent Suter signed a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels, but he'll barely make more than $1 million. At that price, the Reds would've been better off dumping fellow southpaw Sam Moll and hanging onto Suter. The Cincinnati native is one of the most versatile pitchers in the league, and one has to wonder who'll fill his shoes in 2026.