Local ties isn't enough to keep these Reds around in 2025, but they'll be back anyway

Though the Cincinnati Reds offseason has already begun, it won't officially start until after the last out of the World Series is recorded in a couple of weeks. But once a new World Series Champion is crowned a lot of decisions will begin to take place.

Among a couple that the Cincinnati Reds will have to figure out is whether or not to exercise their club-options for the battery of Brent Suter and Luke Maile. Both players signed a one-year deal last offseason with a club-option to return in 2025.

Suter and Maile are both local products. Suter, of course, attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati while Maile grew up across the river and went to Covington Catholic High School. From there, the backstop attended college at the University of Kentucky.

For those Reds fans who've been around the organization for quite some time, it's no surprise that Cincinnati employs a pair of local players. Pete Rose, Scooter Gennett, and Barry Larkin were from the area, and just last season, the Reds brought Joey Wiemer back to the Queen City. But local ties alone aren't going to cut it. Good thing both Suter and Maile provide something that new manager Terry Francona will undoubtedly be looking for heading into next season.

The Reds should pick up both team-options for Brent Suter and Luke Maile

Francona is going to need some experienced leaders on next year's team. A veteran presence on the team will help Francona to build an appropriate culture in the clubhouse, and Suter and Maile can provide that.

Suter has been a leader at almost every stop he's made throughout his Major League career. The left-hander has an engaging and infectious personality and is generally well liked by his teammates. Maile is bit rougher around the edges, but still highly respected by every player in the Reds clubhouse.

In terms of financial obligations, both Suter's and Maile's 2025 club-options are worth $3.5 million with a $500,000 buyout. Reliable left-handed relievers like Suter don't grow on trees, and it's debatable as to whether or not the Reds could find a suitable backup catcher for less than Maile will be taking home next season.

Locking in these two veterans (for less than Emilio Pagán's entire 2025 salary) is a bargain. It also gives Francona two vets to lean on as the season progresses, which is something this young Reds team will need heading into next year.

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