Reds could reunite with a beloved vet who just became available

The Los Angeles Dodgers just won the World Series thanks to key contributions from savvy veterans like Kiké Hernandez and Miguel Rojas. Neither player commanded a high salary or even appeared in more than 120 games last season, but their calming presence in the clubhouse coupled with the ability to mentor the younger players on the Dodgers roster was key to their championship run.

If the Cincinnati Reds want to return to the postseason in 2026, they're going to need some vets on next year's club. The Reds are set to lose the likes of Emilio Pagán and Nick Martinez to free agency, and outside of Jose Trevino, Cincinnati doesn't have much of a veteran presence on their team.

One player who could definitely provide a level of veteran leadership is former fan-favorite Kyle Farmer. The Colorado Rockies just declined their end of a mutual option, meaning Farmer is a free agent once again.

Reds could reunite with Kyle Farmer this offseason

After spending two years with the Minnesota Twins, Farmer inked a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Rockies last offseason. Farmer earned $2.625 million last season and picked up the remaining $750,000 after the Rockies chose not to exercise the option.

Farmer's numbers last season weren't anything to write home about. The 35-year-old appeared in 97 games and hit just .227/.280/.365 with eight home runs and 31 RBI. Farmer, still a versatile defender, saw time all over the diamond with 10 or more appearances at all four infield spots.

The Reds jettisoned Santiago Espinal earlier this offseason, leaving a glaring hole on the bench. While Sal Stewart is likely to get an extended look next spring and could break camp with the Reds, Cincinnati has little infield depth to speak of beyond their starters.

Though Farmer is nowhere near the defensive player he was during his Reds' tenure — without Espinal — Cincinnati needs to find a capable backup for Elly De La Cruz at shortstop. Farmer logged nine starts at shortstop in 2025, and could always be counted on to shift over to the keystone while Matt McLain gives De La Cruz a day off at short.

Whether it's Farmer or another free agent pickup, Cincinnati needs to find a veteran to help tutor De La Cruz and give him a breather at least once every three to four weeks. Though he still suited up for all 162 games, Reds fans saw their superstar begin to break down over the second half of the 2025 season. Cincinnati's coaching staff needs to give De La Cruz adequate rest in 2026.

Few signings would bring more joy to the Reds fanbase than seeing Farmer back in the Queen City, but it would also bring a measure of veteran leadership to the clubhouse — something this team needs heading into 2026.