Reds' focus on power risks leaving another costly hole unaddressed this offseason

It seems like the Cincinnati Reds fanbase has been focused on one thing this entire offseason — power! And why not? The Reds ranked 21st in both home runs and slugging percentage last season despite playing half their games in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the league.

Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer were the only two players on Cincinnati's roster to hit more than 20 home runs in 2025. De La Cruz, Austin Hays, and TJ Friedl were the only Reds regulars to post an OPS+ above 100. So it stands to reason why the Reds' brass and fanbase continue to obsess over adding at least one power-hitter to the roster this offseason.

The Reds can't neglect the bullpen in their search for a power-hitter

But Cincinnati's front office cannot afford to dwell on a the idea of finding a power bat while at the same time neglecting to address the bullpen. The Reds were right to re-sign closer Emilio Pagán, and along with both Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft ready to take the ball on nightly basis, manager Terry Francona should feel pretty good about his chances if the Reds enter the seventh, eighth or ninth innings with the lead.

But bridging the gap from the starting rotation to the backend of the bullpen is no easy task with the Reds roster as currently constructed. While fans would love to see gigantic steps forward from the likes of Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey, the odds of that actually happening are slim. It takes time for these young arms to develop into reliable pitchers.

The Reds added Caleb Ferguson this week, so they now have two lefties in the bullpen. But even though Sam Moll agreed to a one-year deal with the Reds shortly before last month's non-tender deadline — with no minor league options left — it's questionable how long his leash will be in 2026.

With the price of free agent relievers on the rise, one has wonder how the Reds plan to backfill the bullpen. Mid-tier relievers are receiving $5 million-plus contracts on the open market, and don't even get started with what high-leverage pitchers are earning this offseason. The Reds limited budget will almost assuredly have Cincinnati shopping at the bargain bin for this offseason's version of Scott Barlow, and that's a risky move to be sure.