6 Reds in danger of being non-tendered could spark major roster shakeup

The Cincinnati Reds season is over, and now all the attention will shift to the upcoming offseason. Cincinnati took several steps forward in 2025, but some lingering issues still remain and must be addressed this coming winter.

As such, there are bound to be some changes to the roster heading into 2026. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall must make some tough decisions, and it starts with next month's non-tender deadline.

The Reds must decide whether or not to tender contracts to a number of players currently under team control. Last year, the Reds non-tendered just two players — Nick Senzel and Ian Gibaut — but that list could be much longer this year.

6 Reds in danger of being non-tendered after the 2025 season

Gavin Lux, Reds infielder/ outfielder

Gavin Lux is easily the biggest question mark with the non-tender deadline looming. The 27-year-old is in line to take home a raise in 2026 after earning $3.3 million this past season. Though he's virtually unplayable against left-hander pitching, Lux offers Reds manager Terry Francona a backup plan at second base if Matt McLain flounders in 2026.

Sam Moll, Reds pitcher

The fact that Cincinnati left Sam Moll off the postseason roster is an indication that he may not be back in 2026. The left-hander had plenty of success when he first came over from the Athletics in 2023, but has seen a downturn in production ever since. Moll has two years of team control remaining, and after earning just over $1 million last season, there's a chance he could be brought back next season.

Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder

The Reds signed Espinal to a one-year, $2.4 million deal this past winter, but his standing with the club is questionable heading into the offseason. The versatile utility infielder filled a valuable role in 2025, but given the Reds' depth throughout the major and minor leagues, it seems unlikely that Espinal will be back in 2026.

Ian Gibaut, Reds pitcher

Ian Gibaut was cut loose last offseason, and he's likely to suffer the same fate again this year. Gibaut made a valiant comeback this past spring after being sidelined for most of the 2024 season. But once again, he spent the majority of the year on the IL. The Reds could always non-tender Gibaut this winter and re-sign him to a Minor League deal later this winter.

Will Banfield, Reds catcher

Will Banfield was an emergency option for the Reds after Tyler Stephenson landed on the IL back in August. Those 40-man roster spots are precious, and it's highly unlikely that Cincinnati will carry three catchers into the upcoming offseason.

Blake Dunn, Reds outfielder

Blake Dunn has blazing speed, and put up fine numbers in the minors this past season, but his fit on the 40-man roster is questionable. Dunn was the Reds' Minor League Player of the Year just two years ago, but his inability to stick at the Major League level has many Reds fans questioning whether or not he'll be back in 2026.