7 Reds who are playing their way out of the team's 2027 plans

There's just over a month left in the 2026 season, and a number of Cincinnati Reds players are trending in the wrong direction. The organization as a whole could be headed for major changes during the offseason, and of lack of production from several of the Reds' most important pieces could results in their dismissal later this year.

Time is running out for these struggling Reds' players to prove themselves, and a couple may have already sealed their fate. Let's look at seven players on the Reds' 40-man roster who may be playing their way out of the team's plans for 2027.

These Reds players need a strong September push to return in 2027

TJ Friedl, Reds outfielder

The most troubling name on this list is TJ Friedl. He's beloved by his teammates and the fanbase, and was the heartbeat of the club during last year's return to the playoffs. But Friedl has fallen off a cliff in 2026, and it's somewhat surprising he's still on the active roster. There's no way Cincinnati can afford to pay him what he'll be owed in Year 2 of arbitration, though he could return on a minor-league deal.

Ke'Bryan Hayes, Reds third baseman

Will the Reds actually release Ke'Bryan Hayes? That's the multi-million question Cincinnati's front office and ownership will be faced with during the offseason. Hayes' defense is top-notch, but his bat makes him almost unplayable. Hayes is owed nearly $25 million through 2029, and it's questionable as to whether or not the Reds would be willing to eat that much salary.

Sam Moll, Reds pitcher

Sam Moll is an interesting case. He was one of the Reds' best reliever during the first half of the 2026 season, but he's been far less reliable after the All-Star break. The Reds' intentions with free agent to-be (and fellow left-hander) Brock Burke could dictate whether or not Moll is back in 2027.

Michael Toglia, Reds infielder

Michael Toglia received a call-up earlier this month, but he's struggled to find his footing. The former Colorado Rockies slugger performed well at Triple-A this season, but those results haven't translated to the big leagues. Toglia's out of minor-league options, and barring a strong finish to the season, he's likely to be released once the 2026 campaign comes to a close.

Noelvi Marte, Reds outfielder

Noelvi Marte is the trickiest name on this list. Are the Reds willing to go through yet another year where they bank on Marte to finally live up to the lofty expectations attached to his prospect profile? Terry Francona had some harsh (yet truthful) comments regarding Marte's worth ethic, and one has to wonder if he still has a future in Cincinnati.

Connor Phillips, Reds pitcher

Connor Phillips just can't command the strike zone, and it's likely to lead to his dismissal this offseason. There was a time in 2025 when it looked as though the fireballer had finally figured things out, but he's walked a combined 50 batters in 50⅓ innings between Triple-A and the big leagues this season. That's simply unsustainable.

Brandon Williamson, Reds pitcher

Brandon Williamson, who was in the same trade that brought Phillips to Cincinnati in 2022, will have the month of September to prove that he can still perform at the highest level. Williamson had a terrific spring, but fell apart (literally) once the season and began. He has just 28 innings under his belt so far this season and has been on the IL since April with a shoulder injury. The clock is ticking, and Reds' patience may be wearing thin.

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