5 players who complicated Reds' offseason in September

About this time every year, a number of players either step up and take charge or step back and piece together their plans for the offseason. The Major League Baseball season is a grind, and the final month truly tests the mettle of players up and down the roster.

For the Cincinnati Reds, the month of September has been one to forget. One top of being eliminated from playoff contention and watching a number of players ride out the season on the injured list, the Reds also fired their manager with less than week remaining in the season.

But beyond the upcoming decision of who will replace David Bell in the dugout, the Reds also have to figure out the future for several of their players who entered the month of September with something to prove. A few stepped up, and will add to the confusion of what Cincinnati's front office should do during the offseason, while other's shortcomings may well have given the Reds a clear roadmap forward.

Ty France, Reds 1B

Ty France was acquired at this year's MLB trade deadline. An under-the-radar addition, to be sure, France was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners shortly before the deadline, and the Reds dealt a minor league catcher in order to secure the first baseman's services over the remainder of the 2024 season.

France will enter this offseason with one year of arbitration remaining, and will likely be in line to make upwards of $7 or $8 million in 2025. Normally, keeping the sluggerr on the roster would be a no-brainer, but the presence of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario complicate matters. France's roster spot is not guaranteed, but given the production from the aforementioned infield duo, non-tendering the veteran this winter might not be an option.

Jakob Junis, Reds RHP

The Reds have a decision to make, and so does Jakob Junis. The right-hander has a mutual option attached to his contract that would keep him in Cincinnati next season. Junis' option is worth $8 million next season with a $3 million buyout.

The veteran right-hander has been a fantastic addition to the Reds bullpen this season, and even earned a role in the starting rotation over the final month of the season. Re-signing Junis may well become a priority for the Reds front office, especially if they lose Nick Martinez.

Nick Martinez, Reds RHP

Speaking of Martinez, the right-hander has probably made himself a good chunk of money based on his performance during the month of September. Martinez has a $12 million player-option heading into the offseason, and after showcasing his talents as both a reliever and starter, it would seem that he could garner even more on the open market.

If Martinez opts out of his contract, will the Reds extend a Qualifying Offer? Doing so would secure draft compensation in the event that Martinez signs elsewhere this winter. However, if Martinez accepts the QO, the Reds will owe him a little more than $20 million in 2025. That's a hefty price tag for a hybrid pitcher who's started in only 35 of his 152 appearances over the past two seasons.

Brandon Williamson, Reds LHP

Brandon Williamson's injury will definitely alter the Reds plans as they head into the offseason. At one time thought to be a key piece of the starting rotation, Williamson suffered an elbow injury during his final game of the 2024 campaign and will likely miss all of the 2025 season.

The Reds will now have to compensate for the loss of Williamson. Seeing Rhett Lowder's success during the final month of the season certainly adds a measure of confidence in their former first-round pick, but Cincinnati will need to find increased depth for their rotation this offseason. Williamson is not the only starter who'll end the year on the IL, and the Reds have to factor that into their offseason plans.

Noelvi Marte, Reds 3B

Where do the Reds go from here with Noelvi Marte? No player on the Cincinnati roster has endured a more tumultuous season than Marte. Busted for PED use prior to the start of the 2024 season, Marte miss the first half of the year and has struggled since returning to the active roster.

Marte's bat hasn't been the only disappointment, as his glove has been a major letdown as well. Will the Reds continue to give Marte reps at third base? Should he be moved to the outfield? Might Cincinnati look to trade him? The Reds need to figure out a direction for Marte heading into the winter months and have a clear and decisive plan for their former top prospect when Cincinnati takes the field in Arizona next spring.

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