6 extensions the Reds should prioritize ahead of the MLB lockout

The 2026-27 Major League Baseball offseason will be interesting, to say the least. Almost everyone expects a lockout while the owners and the MLB Player's Association haggle over the Collective Bargaining Agreement. As such, there's a prevailing thought that a lot of free-agent contracts and extensions could be signed before the impending lockout on December 1.

The Reds should join the fracas, and there are a number of players on the current roster who could (and should) be signed to multi-year extensions. Let's look at six players on the Reds roster the front office should prioritize before the lockout shuts down all communication between the players and the organization.

6 extensions the Reds should prioritize ahead of the MLB lockout

Elly De La Cruz, Reds shortstop

The most obvious name on the list is also the most unlikely. Cincinnati reportedly pursued an extension in the past, but Elly De La Cruz and his representation — Scott Boras — said, no thanks. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost, and the Reds should certainly make another run at De La Cruz this offseason. The answer will likely be the same, however, as Boras almost always prefers to take his clients to the open market.

Sal Stewart, Reds first baseman

After giving it the old college try with De La Cruz, the Reds should immediately turn their attention to signing the likely 2026 NL Rookie of the Year, Sal Stewart. He's already captured the hearts of Reds Country with his loud bat and fiery personality, and the front office cannot afford to let Stewart price himself out of Cincinnati with another All-Star season in 2027. The Reds must lock him up before December 1.

Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

This narrative has been beaten into the ground, but it bears repeating. The Reds need to sign Tyler Stephenson to a contract extension before he reaches free agency. Alfredo Duno is a phenomenal talent, but he won't be ready next season, and Cincinnati can ill-afford to go into 2027 with Jose Trevino as their starting backstop. Get it done, Reds!

Brady Singer, Reds pitcher

The free-agent pool isn't that deep this coming offseason, and with Hunter Greene likely to miss all of 2027 after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in August, the Reds need some reinforcements in the starting rotation. There've been whispers that Cincinnati plans to extend a qualifying offer to Brady Singer this winter, but a contract extension would be the better play.

Brock Burke, Reds pitcher

After trading Caleb Ferguson and designating Sam Moll for assignment, Brock Burke is the lone lefty remaining in the Reds bullpen. Cincinnati doesn't have any southpaws waiting in the wings, meaning they'll need to find a left-handed reliever or two this coming offseason. Why not just sign Burke to an extension before he reaches free agency?

Eugenio Suárez, Reds third baseman

Some Reds fans will scoff at the idea of re-signing Eugenio Suárez, but in case you haven't noticed, he's been a difference maker in the lineup since the All-Star break. Geno brings a veteran presence to the clubhouse and wouldn't cost the Reds an arm and leg. He'd be a good backup at third base — especially with all the questions surrounding Ke'Bryan Hayes heading into the offseason — and still has the ability to hit 30-plus home runs.

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