5 upcoming Reds free agents who have been good but don't need to be re-signed

The Cincinnati Reds are still in the playoff hunt, but with one week remaining in the 2025 regular season, it's hard to not to take a peek toward the upcoming offseason. Terry Francona's first year at the helm has been filled with ups and downs, but even before this season began, many Reds fans were already targeting the 2026 campaign as a breakout year for Elly De La Cruz and Co.

The same version of the team that's on the field when the final out is recorded this season will not be back in 2026. Every winter, trades, non-tenders, signings, and free agency departures result in a new identity heading into spring training the following season.

While the Reds have received some solid contributions from several soon-to-be free agents, which players who've been good — but not great — don't deserve to return in 2026?

5 Reds free agents who don't need to be re-signed

Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher

The Reds extended a qualifying offer to Nick Martinez last offseason, but it seems unlikely that Cincinnati will look to bring him back for a third straight season. Martinez has filled in admirably — both as a starter and reliever — but the Reds have so much pitching depth that the money needed to retain to the right-hander could be better spent on the lineup.

Austin Hays, Reds outfielder

Speaking of the lineup, Austin Hays has been solid, but unspectacular this season. The Reds maintain a $12 million mutual-option for next season, but even if Hays wanted to return, there's no way Cincinnati is forking over that kind of money. A healthy offseason for Spencer Steer and the rise of top outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez make Hays expendable heading into next season.

Emilio Pagán, Reds pitcher

The Reds and Emilio Pagán could extend their relationship beyond 2025, but that number might be more than Cincinnati is willing to spend. Pagán has filled in admirably as the Reds' closer this season, but that's not a role he should maintain in 2026. If the two sides can agree to a deal worth about $5-$6 million per season, perhaps Pagán will be back in the Reds bullpen. For all intents and purposes, however, it would seem that he's likely to find a new team this offseason.

Miguel Andujar, Reds designated hitter

The Reds' last-minute pickup of Athletics' slugger Miguel Andujar at the MLB trade deadline turned out to be quite the acquisition. But Cincinnati's roster construction rarely allows for a DH-only player to occupy a spot, and that's the only role Andujar really fills. He brought some pop to the lineup during the second-half of the season, but he won't be back in 2026.

Zack Littell, Reds pitcher

The Reds nabbed Zack Littell at the MLB trade deadline. Cincinnati assumed that Littell's presence would allow them to push Martinez into a reserve role, though Nick Lodolo's injury delayed that move by a couple weeks. Littell has been a serviceable starter, but the soon-to-be 30-year-old shouldn't be part of the team's plans in 2026.