5 Reds players whose breakout years demand long-term contracts

Since 2023, the Cincinnati Reds have done little to lock up their young talent. Hunter Greene inked a six-year, $53 million extension shortly after the 2023 season began, but the Reds front office has laid low the past couple of winters despite a number of players who could (and should) be extended beyond their arbitration years.

Outside of Greene, only Jose Trevino and Ke'Bryan Hayes have guaranteed contracts beyond the 2026 season. During the GM Meetings this last week, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall mentioned that he has had extension conversations with a lot of players on the team and made some offers in recent years.

This offseason would seem like the perfect time for Krall and Co. to jumpstart those conversations once again. While an extension for Elly De La Cruz seems unlikely, there are others on the Reds roster who've earned a long-term deal.

5 Reds players whose breakout years demand long-term contracts

Andrew Abbott, Reds starting pitcher

Andrew Abbott will be eligible for arbitration next winter, meaning that a pay raise will soon be coming his way. The Reds should get ahead of this, and lock up their young All-Star for the next five-plus seasons. The prices for starting pitching are exorbitant, and Cincinnati would do well to secure Abbott's services for the next several seasons before he becomes too expensive to retain.

Noelvi Marte, Reds right fielder

Extending Noelvi Marte represents a bit of a gamble. After missing half of the 2024 season due to a PED suspension, Marte lost service time and won't reach free agency until after the 2030 season. The Reds' newly minted right fielder isn't even arbitration eligible until 2028. But for that reason, he may be willing to agree to a team-friendly team that would increase his base salary sooner. If the Reds' brass truly believes Marte is their right fielder of the future, this could be a valuable signing.

Tony Santillan, Reds relief pitcher

Relievers are volatile, so extending Tony Santillan comes with risk. Had the Reds extended Alexis Diaz after his All-Star campaign, they'd be kicking themselves at the moment. But relievers are becoming increasing important in today's game, and few answer the bell as often as Santillan. This winter represents the right-hander's first go through the arbitration process, and could be Cincinnati's best chance to keep him over the long haul.

Sal Stewart, Reds infielder

Sal Stewart didn't necessarily "breakout" during his lone month in the big leagues, but the slugger absolutely dominated Minor League pitchers this past season. In 118 games between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, Stewart hit .309/.383/.524 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI. Locking up Stewart before he makes a splash next season could be crucial in the Reds' efforts to keep him around on a budget-friendly deal.

Chase Burns, Reds starting pitcher

This one is no-brainer. Of all the players on this list, Chase Burns should be at the top. The fireballer showcased his talent in the minors, and because his stuff was so overwhelming, Burns was called up to the big leagues before the All-Star break. He's is only going to get better (and more expensive) and much like the Reds did with Greene after Year 1, they should sign Burns to long-term deal.