Reds could shop their innings-eater at the Winter Meetings, but moving him is risky

The Cincinnati Reds opened last offseason with a big splash, trading Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals for Brady Singer. The 2025 season proved Cincinnati the winners of that deal, but Singer’s value to the Reds may not just be limited to the field. A crafty deal by the front office could convert the pitcher’s talents into a big return.

Singer was by far the most reliable and consistent member of the Reds’ staff last season. Since his debut in 2020, he has developed into one of the better mid-rotation guys in the majors and has held an ERA+ above 110 in four of his six years.

That ability to grind out starts week after week would be desirable to virtually every team, and as he enters the final year of his contract, the Reds may have the motivation to shop him around for trades. In fact, ESPN estimates that Singer’s likelihood to be traded this winter sits at 25%.

While the Reds got plenty from Brady Singer on the mound, his true value may be on the trade market

Singer is projected to make roughly $12 million in arbitration this year, which makes the right-hander far and away the priciest player on the team. If he turns in another innings-eating season like he did in 2025, he’ll be in line for a big payday in free agency next winter (barring a lockout).

Singer is just one of 22 pitchers to complete 325 innings or more and have a sub-4.00 ERA over the past two years. Eight of those pitchers have tested free agency; on the low end, Nick Pivetta walked away with a backloaded deal with two opt-outs good for $13.75 million annually, and on the high end, Dylan Cease just signed a seven-year contract that pays him $30 million annually. Those numbers speak to the perceived value of consistency in a starting pitcher.

Dealing Singer would likely net the Reds at least one significant prospect. Chris Bassitt, a similarly strong pitch-to-contact mid-rotation arm, enticed the Mets into giving up one of their best pitching prospects when he was dealt by the A’s during his walk year in 2022. The move would also clear payroll if the Reds truly intend to make a splash on the free-agent market.

Compared to the rumors swirling around Hunter Greene, Singer makes a far more attractive candidate for the Reds. They get to keep their ace while still getting a moderate return and freeing up cash flow. Call this a win-win-win.