Reds could find perfect infield solution thanks to a buyer's market at second base

Perhaps the biggest issue facing the Cincinnati Reds this offseason is finding a way to replace Ke'Bryan Hayes at third base. Unfortunately, the free-agent market at the hot corner is considered extremely underwhelming. That's led to the thought that the best way to solve the issue would be to move Sal Stewart back to his natural third base and then dip into the first base market.

The problem is that the first base options aren't much more robust. Sure, the Reds might find a slightly better player at first, but will it truly move the needle? Probably not.

When looking at what plagues Cincinnati, not far behind Hayes on the list of ills is second baseman Matt McLain. He has a touch more utility than Hayes, but that has a limit when you consider his .608 OPS in 2026.

Here's where the opportunity lies. The market at second base is pretty stacked, and that could shift the leverage toward buyers rather than the free agents selling their wares. For example, look at Jim Bowden's extremely affordable contract projection for Brandon Lowe, likely the best player at the position.

Bowden sees Lowe getting $45 million over three years. At first, that seems like more of the former Reds general manager's whimsy, but he might have a point. Lowe shares the market with Jazz Chisholm Jr., Gleyber Torres, and Luis Arraez. Then there's a wild card who could be thrown into the mix in the form of NPB star Shugo Maki, who could be posted after a 30-homer campaign that featured some promising underlying data.

Striking in the second base market is the best way for the Reds to improve their infield

If Bowden's prediction comes true, the Reds would likely be able to afford Lowe, which would be an ideal situation and would help hurt a division rival at the same time. Or, perhaps the market falls through and Arraez is more affordable than expected, giving Cincinnati the opportunity to add contact balance that is sorely needed.

Even further down the line, there are a few intriguing options. One potential cost-effective solution could be Jeff McNeil. The Athletics are guaranteed to decline his $15.75 million option, making him a free agent.

The 34-year-old got off to a slow start in 2026, but during the second half he slashed .310/.342/.451. He's a left-handed hitter and posted a .705 OPS against righties on the season. Believe it or not, McLain recorded a .777 OPS against lefties. The pair could actually form a more-than-halfway-decent platoon at the keystone. McNeil would also bring a ton of versatility with the ability to play first, third, and the outfield corners as well.

Signing a free-agent second basemen doesn't preclude Cincinnati from moving Stewart across the diamond anyway. If the Reds sign one of these second basemen, especially a cheaper one like McNeil who Spotrac predicts will make $5.6 million on a one-year deal, they could still have room in the budget to sign a first baseman while still having enough money left over to attack needs in the starting rotation and bullpen.

Smart teams take advantage of the market, and that's what the Reds must do here. The second base crop is talented, and there's no reason they can't replace McLain or adjust their plans for him in order to make the pieces fit better. If all the second basemen come off the market and it comes out that the Reds didn't make a play for at least one of them, it will prove that they still haven't learned their lesson.

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