Nick Martinez reveals Reds' top extension candidates (not named Elly De La Cruz)

Locking up the Cincinnati Reds' young core seems like a no-brainer. The Atlanta Braves signed Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Spencer Strider, and others to long-term extensions before becoming superstars. Replicating that load of signings is difficult in a small market, but Reds fans have multiple players they want to see stay in Cincinnati long-term.

According to Gordan Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds' had conversations with Nick Martinez's agent, Scott Boras about a multi-year deal during the offseason. Shortly after, the righty unexpectedly accepted his qualifying offer.

Outside of Martinez, (and obviously Elly De La Cruz) a few potential extensions come to everyone's mind. "There are definitely a few guys here worth extending" Martinez said. Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson were players that Martinez cited in his conversation with Wittenmyer.

Should the Reds offer contract extensions to Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson?

Stephenson wll make $4.93 million this season and is set to become a free agent in 2027. The Reds' catcher has made massive strides over his career, specifically last season. Stephenson cemented new career highs in home runs, hits, and doubles. He also improved defensively, finishing 2024 30th out of 58 catchers in framing with -1 runs. For context, he was 60th out of 63 in 2023 with -9.

Stephenson has improved dramatically and fans hope to see him take another step this season. With not much catching talent in the Reds' farm system, expect Cincinnati to at least attempt to offer Stephenson an extension before Opening Day next season.

Even with the Reds' farm system littered with infield talent, Steer may warrant an extension. The young utility player is under team control until the end of 2028, but his inconsistent play last season could hurt his chances for a long-term deal.

Steer hit .225/.319/.402 in 2024 with 20 home runs and 92 RBI and 25 stolen bases. Despite his slight regression, Steer's availability is unmatched. The 27-year-old has played in 314 out of 324 games the last two seasons. Unfortunately, a lingering shoulder injury may postpone his 2025 debut by a couple weeks.

Locking up young-talent could be on the horizon for the Reds. But Stephenson and Steer are far from the only player who should be under consideration for a contract extension. If the Reds can keep part of their young core together, good things will be on the horizon for Cincinnati.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors