An early look at the Cincinnati Reds' 2025 payroll

Sorry folks, but the Cincinnati Reds operate as a small market team. They always have, and likely always will (at least as long as Bob Castellini is in charge). But that doesn't mean that Cincinnati can't field a competitive team heading into the 2025 season, nor does it convey the idea that the Reds won't spend money in free agency. The Reds invested over $100 million during free agency just last winter and still kept one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball.

While this year's World Series participants each maintain a payroll above $300 million, most big league clubs keep their books closer to about $150 million. The Reds haven't approached that number since the Castellini family took over, and given their track record, fans should expect more of the same in 2025.

An early look at the Cincinnati Reds' 2025 payroll

So where does the Reds payroll sit heading into the offseason? Obviously there are several non-tender candidates that could make the number go up or down, and the Reds will need to tender contracts to a number of arbitration-eligible players this winter as well.

According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the Reds' 2025 payroll is estimated to be just under $90 million. Cincinnati's highest-paid player is Jeimer Candelario who is set to make $16 million next season. The Reds fanbase would love for president of baseball operations Nick Krall to find a way to offload Candelario's contract this offseason, but that will be a tall task.

The Reds also have guaranteed contracts tied up in Hunter Greene ($6.3 million), Jonathan India ($6.6 million), and Emilio Pagán ($8 million). The $90 million estimate also includes Nick Martinez's $12 million player-option (which he'll likely decline), and the $3.5 million team-options for both Luke Maile and Brent Suter.

Reds could non-tender Ty France and Santiago Espinal to free up more money for 2025

Players like Ty France, Santiago Espinal, and Jake Fraley will be due a pay raise next year through arbitration, but the Reds could decide to cut ties with a number of players before the non-tender deadline in order to save some cash this winter.

Younger players like Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz will be making the league minimum in 2025 unless the Reds look to negotiate a contract extension with one of their young stars.

The Reds' 2025 payroll isn't set in stone, but the team's budget will reportedly be set by the end the month. Once Krall and Co. know how much money can be allocated toward the 2025 roster, the Reds' front office will begin to make some admittedly tough decisions. Don't get locked in to that $90 million payroll as it's sure to fluctuate all the way up until Opening Day.

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