9 former Reds are still jobless ahead of spring training (but 1 could be coming back)

Cincinnati Reds fans were greeted with a welcome surprise this past weekend after the team reportedly agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with former third baseman Eugenio Suárez. The reunion has been well received by almost everyone throughout Reds Country, and Geno will bring that impact bat that fans have been begging for throughout the offseason.

But Suárez wasn't the only former Reds player who'd been languishing on the free agent market. A number of ex-Reds still haven't found a new home, and spring training begins in just a couple of weeks.

Most of these players who used to call the Queen City home don't fit into the Reds' 2026 plans, but there's at least one who does. Which nine former Reds are still seeking a new deal in free agency, and who might find his way back to Cincinnati?

These former Reds players remain unsigned with spring training just around the corner

Nick Martinez, former Reds pitcher

Nick Martinez was a key member of the Reds rotation (and bullpen) the past two seasons. Cincinnati thought so much of the right-hander that they extended a qualifying offer to him last winter — which he accepted. Martinez's versatility would fit perfectly on the Reds roster once again, but he's likely priced himself out of Cincinnati.

Jesse Winker, former Reds outfielder

Jesse Winker was an All-Star in 2021, and the Reds shipped him to the Pacific Northwest the following season (along with Suárez) in exchange for a prospect-laden trade package from the Seattle Mariners. Winker's battled injuries ever since leaving Cincinnati, and will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal.

Scott Barlow, former Reds pitcher

Scott Barlow was an absolute workhorse for the Reds last season, but the team decided not to pick up his $6 million player-option for 2026. Cincinnati agreed to a free-agent contract with right-hander Pierce Johnson, so it's tough to see a reunion between the Reds and Barlow ahead of spring training.

Zack Littell, former Reds pitcher

Given his track record, it's odd to still see Zack Littell on the open market. He's one of the better strike throwers in the game and rarely walks batters. But the right-hander led the league in home runs allowed last season, which could be the biggest reason why he remains unsigned. Littell should be able to land a solid one or two-year deal, but he won't be coming back to Cincy.

Tommy Pham, former Reds outfielder

Tommy Pham spent all of last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the former Reds outfielder appears to be on the move again this winter. Pham's character flaws and longstanding attitude concerns likely keeps several Major League GMs at a distance, but he's one of the most competitive players in the league, and he'll find his way onto a roster by Opening Day.

Kyle Farmer, former Reds infielder

Given the Reds' need for backup infielder, they could decide to kick the tires on a reunion with Kyle Farmer. Reds fans would absolutely love having both Geno and Farmer back in the Queen City, but the former Cincinnati shortstop saw a dramatic dip in production last season. Farmer hit just .227 with a .645 OPS in 2025, and his defense has taken a step back in recent years.

Dauri Moreta, former Reds pitcher

Dauri Moreta has received plenty of fanfare this winter, so it's mildly surprising that he remains unsigned at this stage of the offseason. Moreta made 18 appearances last season and posted a 3.24 ERA with 19 punch outs. The right-hander's velocity has dropped off a bit, but he can still generate plenty of swing and miss.

Jose Iglesias, former Reds infielder

Much like Farmer, it's not out of the realm of possibilities to think that a reunion between the Reds and Jose Iglesias is off the table. Though he's nowhere near the elite-level defender he was during his time with the Reds, Iglesias is a good contact hitter and the type of clubhouse presence that younger players gravitate toward. That said, he hit just .229/.298/.294 last season.

This former Reds player could be coming back in 2026

Brent Suter, former Reds pitcher

If the Reds were to reunite with just one of their former players, it would likely be left-handed reliever Brent Suter. Cincinnati's front office declined Suter's club-option earlier this offseason, but that doesn't rule out a reunion between the Reds and the hometown hurler. Cincinnati added two left-handers already this offseason, but they could always use a third.