MLB executive poll suggests Reds are surprisingly in play for top free agent pitchers

The Cincinnati Reds have a solid stable of young pitchers. Hunter Greene leads the way as the team's ace with Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, and Graham Ashcraft also in the mix.

The Reds were also rumored to be interested in Kansas City Royals hurler Brady Singer, but those talks have cooled of late, especially after Nick Martinez agreed to sign his qualifying offer. Cincinnati also has Chase Burns, Connor Phillips, and Chase Petty waiting in the wings.

But at least one MLB executive believes that the Reds will break the bank this offseason and sign one of the top free agent pitchers available. In a recent poll released by ESPN (subscription required), one exec believes the Reds will sign Blake Snell or Max Fried.

MLB executive poll suggests Reds are surprisingly in play for Blake Snell & Max Fried

Now, the poll overwhelming favors big-market organizations like the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies, but the Reds are lumped in with teams like the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles.

Snell won the NL C y Young Award in 2023, but struggled to find a new home last winter. Snell eventually signed with the Giants, but opted out of his final season in order to sign a larger deal this offseason. Snell is expected to sign a five-year, $160 million deal this winter. A $32 million AAV seems outrageous based on the Reds' history.

As for Fried, he's expected to make a little less due to injury concerns. But Fried's track record (when healthy) is terrific. The lefty was 11-10 in 29 starts last season with a 3.25 ERA and 1.164 WHIP. Fried may not be the strikeout artist that Snell is, but the southpaw induces ground balls at a nearly 60% clip.

Reds fans are unlikely to believe this hype, but in that same ESPN article, several executives see Cincinnati as an organization that could make some noise this offseason. Many MLB pundits and experts have pointed to the hiring of Terry Francona as a major reason why the Reds are expected to be active this winter.

So while these are some surprising and highly unlikely predictions, the fact that the Reds are even mentioned should raise the eyebrows of the Cincinnati faithful. Will the Reds wade into the deep waters with the big boys this offseason, or will they stay in the kiddie pool?

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