Forgotten Reds starters could be key to offseason plans (but not how you'd think)

Despite a crowded gauntlet of contenders in the National League, the Cincinnati Reds have hung around in the Wild Card race, and are sitting just behind the slumping New York Mets for the third and final spot.

A big reason the Reds have been within striking distance and are jockeying for a playoff position has been their starting rotation; one that ranks seventh in the majors in ERA (3.77).

With Hunter Greene now back from the IL and Nick Lodolo not far behind, the Reds' rotation is about to get crowded, and the offseason picture looks even more jam-packed with two forgotten starters poised for returns in 2026. That could be cause for some offseason creativity in order to field the best possible roster next year.

Forgotten Reds starters Bradon Williamson and Julian Aguiar could be key to offseason plans

It's been a while since Reds fans have seen Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar take the mound. Both went down with elbow injuries and required Tommy John surgery last season. Now both are making strides towards a return.

Back in 2023, Williamson was one of the Reds' top prospects. While he took some lumps during his rookie season, Williamson had an overall positive debut, posting a 4.46 ERA in 23 starts. Last season, it looked to be a step forward for the lefty with a 3.77 ERA before succumbing to the elbow injury.

As for Aguiar, the 24-year-old only has 31⅓ innings of big league experience under his belt from last season. While a 6.25 ERA isn't great by any means, the youngster can't be counted out yet as a potential rotation option once he's all the way back.

In addition to those two, Cincy also has Rhett Lowder on the verge of a return next season. He's currently rehabbing from an left oblique strain and will likely spend some time in the Arizona Fall League. The injury shouldn't have any long-term repercussions, and make Lowder yet another name to factor into the 2026 rotation.

Should the Reds look to trade Nick Lodolo this offseason?

All of this might mean that Lodolo could be the odd man out heading into next season. While he's already pitched a career-high 129⅔ innings, the lefty comes with a lengthy injury history. Given how flush the rotation is, the Reds would be wise to capitalize on Lodolo's 2025 breakout campaign and deal him for a piece that better fits with the rest of the team.

Not only would dealing Lodolo better allow the club to balance out the roster for a competitive run in 2026, but it would also likely save the team some cash as he's likely earned a sizable raise in arbitration given his relative health and performance.

The Reds will have to walk an interesting tightrope this offseason, and the forgotten Williamson and Aguiar could be the keys to figuring it all out.

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