5 proven veterans who could give the Reds the leadership they lack

The Cincinnati Reds are a very young and inexperienced team. Sure, they have the veteran leadership of manager Terry Francona at the helm, but outside of Emilio closer Pagán and backup catcher Jose Trevino, the Reds clubhouse lacking a true veteran presence.

If the season started today, the Reds would have just three players (Pagán, Trevino, and Sam Moll) over the age of 30. If Cincinnati is serious about contending for a division title in 2026, they're going to need some grizzled vets who know what it's like to win at the highest level.

The trick, of course, is to find experienced players who can still produce. For a team with a limited budget like the Reds, that can be easier said than done. Cincinnati just missed out on bringing Middletown native Kyle Schwarber back home, but perhaps there are some other veteran bats the Reds could sign this offseason to help bring some leadership to the organization in 2026.

5 proven veterans who could give the Reds the leadership they lack

Justin Turner, free agent infielder/ DH

Former Reds farmhand Justin Turner is a free agent once again and has made no secret about his desire to play for Francona. A 17-year veteran of the big leagues, Turner has two All-Star nods and a World Series championship under his belt. He hit just three homers in 2025 in what was his worst statistical season ever. Turner's bat speed is nowhere near what it used to be, but he's still a patient hitter with a career .360 on-base percentage. Turner could have a full-circle moment in 2026 and end up back where it all began.

Carlos Santana, free agent infielder/ DH

Carlos Santana was let go by the Cleveland Guardians midway through the 2025 and was eventually picked up by the Chicago Cubs. Santana is a former Gold Glove Award-winner and can still pick it at first base. With both Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart still learning the position, Santana's tutelage could be invaluable. After back-to-back 20-plus home run seasons, Santana hit just 11 round-trippers in 2025, but the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park could fit his swing well.

Paul Goldschmidt, free agent infielder/ DH

Longtime division rival Paul Goldschmidt is a free agent once again. The former MVP played last season with the New York Yankees, and put up better numbers than his final year with the St. Louis Cardinals. Much like Santana, Goldschmidt's years as Gold Glove first baseman could do wonders for both Steer and Stewart. The power isn't really there anymore, but Goldschmidt was still able to rack up 134 base hits as a part-time player in Bronx last season.

Tommy Pham, free agent outfielder

The Reds have experience with Tommy Pham in their clubhouse, and it's undetermined whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. There's no denying Pham's intimidating presence and polarizing personality, but even at 38 years old, he continues to produce. A very disciplined hitter, Pham was among the best in the league in chase rate last season and also posted a respectable 11.1% walk rate. Pham could be a fine addition and part of a platoon in left field with one of Will Benson or Hector Rodriguez.

Marcell Ozuna, free agent DH

One of the most controversial names on the free agent market this winter is Marcell Ozuna. There was a time when he was highly thought of within the Reds organization, but after some troublesome issues off the field, one has to wonder if that infatuation has soured. The one thing that's remained constant, however, is Ozuna's bat. After back-to-back seasons of a .900-plus OPS, Ozuna came back to earth a bit in 2025. He still smacked 21 homers last season, and given his history, could be one of the best bargains remaining on the free agent market.