Every former Reds player in the World Series (including one reunion that makes sense)

The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers take center stage on Friday night when Game 1 of the 2026 World Series gets underway from American Family Field. By the time the Fall Classic is complete, one of these two franchises will have won their first-ever World Series title.

But if you're a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, do you have any rooting interest? Obviously it's difficult to cheer for your division rival, but there are former Reds players on both the Rays and Brewers rosters.

Let's look at every former Reds player who's part of this year's World Series rosters, including one who's likely to be a prime reunion candidate this offseason.

Every former Reds player in the World Series (including a perfect reunion target)

Joe Boyle, Rays pitcher

The Reds traded Joe Boyle to the Athletics at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for left-handed reliever Sam Moll. Boyle has yet appear in a postseason game for the Rays this October, and only managed to cover 19 innings during the regular season. The right-hander still possesses an electric fastball, but his command has never truly improved.

Gavin Lux, Rays infielder

Gavin Lux will not see the field during the World Series. In fact, he hasn't played in a game all season. The former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect — who was traded to Tampa Bay this past offseason as part of a three-team deal that brought Brock Burke to Cincinnati — suffered a shoulder injury before the season began and has spent the year on the 60-day IL.

Casey Legumina, Rays pitcher

Much like aforementioned Boyle, Casey Legumina is unlikely to see the mound during the World Series. He was picked up by the Rays from the Seattle Mariners midway through the season and made 55 appearances on the year. His 3.77 ERA was quite the improvement from his performance with the Reds last season, but it won't be enough to crack the World Series roster.

Jake Bauers, Brewers infielder

Jake Bauers never suited up in a Major League game for the Reds, but was part of the organization in in 2022. Bauers has played for several teams throughout his career — including the Rays — and took home NLCS MVP honors last week. Bauers is likely to be on the Reds' radar this offseason, but his performance has likely priced him out of the Reds' comfort zone.

Ryan Vilade, Rays outfielder

Ryan Vilade is a player the Reds gave away for peanuts last season, but he's thrived since joining the Rays. He's played in 96 games for Tampa Bay this season, while hitting .245/.321/.429 and manning five different positions. Look for Vilade to platoon in left field along Chandler Simpson during the Fall Classic.

Nick Martinez, Rays pitcher

Former Reds' jack-of-all-trades Nick Martinez will be on the bump for Game 1 of the World Series. The veteran went to his first All-Star Game this year, and will be a popular target in free agency. A reunion with Martinez certainly can't be ruled out, though the price tag might be more than Cincinnati wants to pay.

Still, with so much uncertainty in the Reds rotation heading into next season, the Cincinnati faithful would not be the least bit shocked if Nick Krall and front office make Martinez their top priority this offseason.

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