Predicting possible Reds’ budget free agent moves after 2026 disaster sent a loud message

The Cincinnati Reds' 2026 season was a disappointment, and some of the biggest reasons for the team's struggles can be traced back to last offseason. Small-market organizations like the Reds can ill afford to make costly mistakes, both in free agency and on the trade front.

The Reds whiffed on a homecoming for Ohio-native Kyle Schwarber, and instead reunited with Eugenio Suárez. The former All-Star didn't live up to the hype after taking home a $15 million pay day. Cincinnati also overpaid for the likes of Caleb Ferguson ($4.5 million) and Pierce Johnson ($6.5 million). Those two relievers combined to give the Reds just 0.7 bWAR in 2026.

There was also the unfortunate remains of Jeimer Candelario's contract ($15 million), and the approximate $16 million in sunk cost that came courtesy of Ke'Bryan Hayes' shortcomings and Hunter Greene's injury.

If the Reds hope to turn things around in 2027, it's going to take a Herculean effort on the part of Nick Krall and the front office. Free agency will certainly be a part of Cincinnati's rebuilding efforts this offseason, though, as we all know, the Reds will have a strict budget. Let's see if we can't shore up some of the issues without breaking the bank.

These low-cost free agents could bring the Reds better results in 2027

Reds re-sign Brock Burke to a two-year, $15 million deal

The Reds bullpen was one of the team's biggest weaknesses in 2026, but Brock Burke was not to blame. After landing in Cincinnati following a three-team trade during the offseason, he went on to make 77 relief appearances, cover 74⅓ innings, and post a 2.30 ERA with a 23.6% strikeout rate.

Currently, the Reds don't have a single left-handed reliever on the roster, and re-signing Burke seems like a no-brainer. While a number of fans have voiced their desire to see the team re-sign Emilio Pagán, bringing back Burke might be equally as important and cost them a fraction of the price.

Reds add former Cubs' pitcher Colin Rea on a one-year, $7 million deal

The Reds reportedly wanted to re-sign Nick Martinez last offseason, but opted for a big bat instead. Krall and Co. signed Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal, and Martinez agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Colin Rea is probably the closest thing to a poor man's version of Martinez on the open market this winter.

Much like Martinez, Rea limits the free passes and pitches to contact. Neither pitcher is going to get a lot of swing and miss, but instead they use their vast repertoire of pitches to keep the opposing hitter off balance. The Cubs turned down Rea's club-option, preferring instead to fork over the $1 million buyout. Rea won't be a popular name in free agency, but he'll probably cost about one-third of what it take to bring Martinez back to Cincinnati.

Reds ink former Pirates slugger Josh Bell to a one-year, $6 million contract

If it feels like former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Josh Bell has been around forever, it's because, well, he has. Bell made his big league debut back in 2016, and has taken on somewhat of a mercenary role of late. After a five-year run in the Steel City, he's played for six different organizations over the past six seasons.

Bell hit .255/.319/.419 for the Minnesota Twins in 2026, marking the sixth straight season he's posted an OPS+ of 100 or higher. He's more of a DH-only at this stage of his career, but could still moonlight at first base while giving Sal Stewart a chance to cover the hot corner once or twice a week. Bell's a switch-hitter who's going to draw his fair share of walks and crack 20-plus homers per season. The Reds could do a lot worse and probably spend a lot more doing it.

Reds sign Ohio-native Taylor Ward to a one-year, $10 million deal

The Reds love their Ohio-born players, don't they? Pete Rose, Dave Parker, Barry Larkin, Paul O'Neill, Ron Oester, Scooter Gennett, and, of course, Joe Nuxhall just to name a few. The Reds tried to bring Schwarber back to the Buckeye State last winter, but lost him to the Philadelphia Phillies. They should have an easier time bringing Taylor Ward back to his Ohio roots this offseason.

Ward spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, but split time between the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners last season. He struggled to the tune of a .225/.359/.311 slash line, but posted a ridiculous 16.3% walk rate, and has always been a patient hitter. Great American Ball Park and some of mom's home cookin' has a way of getting a struggling hitter back on track.

Reds sign two-time All-Star infielder Jeff McNeil to a one-year, $4.5 million contract

The Reds need a back-up plan at second base. Matt McLain has been given two years to get back to the player he was in 2023, and while he's played top-tier defense, he's hit just .204/.288/.339 since 2025. The Reds are unlikely to part ways with McLain, but they can't count on him. Edwin Arroyo has potential, and Juan Brito showed flashes in 2026, but only during the final month of the season.

Adding a veteran presence like Jeff McNeil could help to balance out the Reds' infield. He brings a left-handed bat to the mix and has handled right-handed pitching to the tune of .282/.345/.438 during his career. McNeil played over 100 games at the keystone for the Athletics last season, but also saw time at first and third base and the outfield. Given the current landscape throughout Major League Baseball, versatility is the name of the game, and McNeil has plenty of it.

Reds land former Gold Glove catcher Jonah Heim for a one-year, $3 million contract

There's one position we haven't touched on yet, and it's arguably one of the most important. With Tyler Stephenson now a free agent, the Reds have to find a short-term replacement to hold down the fort until top prospect Alfredo Duno is ready to go. Jose Trevino is not an everyday catcher. He needs a platoon partner, and few might be a better fit that former All-Star Jonah Heim.

Heim is coming off a disastrous season split between the Athletics and the Atlanta Braves. He hit just .204 with a 71 OPS+, and his defensive metrics are less than stellar. But Heim doesn't strike out a ton and has double-digit home runs in each of the last six seasons. Against left-handed pitching, he hit .267/.321/.534 last season, and could offer Terry Francona the perfect compliment to Trevino.

Total money spent: $38 million (plus another $7.5 million for Burke in 2028)

Will these moves solve all the Reds' problems? Absolutely not. But Cincinnati committed $37.7 million to the quartet of Suárez, Johnson, Ferguson, and Brady Singer last season and had little to show for it. All their money is coming off the books this winter, in addition to Pagán's $10 million salary, and the $9 million combined to compensate Burke and Stephenson.

The Reds could also explore a reunion with Emilio Pagán to shore up the backend of the bullpen and a trade or two to help solidify the starting rotation. The cupboard may not be as bare as some might think, but the front office has to make the right moves.

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