Reds' decision created roster void that must be addressed before it's too late

The Cincinnati Reds made a decision shortly after the 2024 season came to a close. Rather than pickup Luke Maile's $3.5 million club-option for next season, the Reds decided to part ways. Maile is now a free agent, and while a reunion may still be on the table, the northern Kentucky native is free to explore the open market.

That decision — while it may have been the correct one — left a void on the Reds' roster. Cincinnati now has just one catcher on the 40-man roster. While Tyler Stephenson is the unquestioned starting catcher heading into next season, the Reds will need a backup. But Cincinnati better act quickly.

Reds' decision to decline Luke Maile's option created roster void that must be addressed before it's too late

Austin Hedges signed a free agent deal with the Cleveland Guardians shortly after free agency began, and Travis d'Arnaud agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. On Wednesday, former Reds' foe Jacob Stallings re-signed with the Colorado Rockies. The longtime Pittsburgh Pirates catcher inked a one-year, $2 million deal with the Rox that includes a mutual-option for 2026. If the Reds continue to drag their feet, they'll be left scouring the bargain bin for a backup.

A backup catcher is akin to a backup quarterback — you never realize how important the position is until you actually need it. The Reds found this out first hand in 2022 when Cincinnati employed seven different catchers before the season came to a close. Wanting to avoid that the following year, the Reds rushed to sign both Maile and Curt Casali during the 2022-23 offseason.

Luke Maile, Curt Casali & others might be on the Reds' radar this offseason

Both Maile and Casali are still available this offseason and could be on the Reds' radar. Kyle Higashioka, Elias Díaz, and Gary Sánchez are also on the free agent market. Reds fans want to see more offense from the position, but for a player who's in the lineup once every four or five days, it's hard to expect much more than a below-average hitter.

Defense and the ability to work with the pitching staff are the two most important qualities when it comes to a backup catcher — something Maile possesses. But there was no way Cincinnati was going to pay $3.5 million for a player with a 44 OPS+ in 2024.

With the catcher market already gaining steam, don't be surprised if Cincinnati signs a backstop in the coming days. The non-tender deadline may offer additional options, but if the Reds don't act fast they'll be left out in the cold.

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