Reds' late-season additions make trading Edwin Arroyo even more probable

Edwin Arroyo had a golden opportunity heading into 2026. With Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain coming off a horrendous 2025 campaign and Elly De La Cruz finding time on the injured list and as the team's designated hitter, the middle infield was up for the taking.

Unfortunately, a poor performance in the majors combined with the ascendency of two unknowns spoiled Arroyo’s coming out party. Now, his greatest value to the franchise may come on the trade market.

Despite posting a career-best .891 OPS at Triple-A this season, Arroyo struggled to translate his skills to the big leagues. He owns a disappointing .223/.266/.264 line across 50 games. If this were a full season, he would be in the running for worst OPS in baseball. Still, there’s a modicum of value to be had in Arroyo, whose defensive skills have garnered praise and whose plate approach continues to mature.

Edwin Arroyo’s greatest value to the Reds may be found on the trade market, not on the field

One of the most significant challenges for Arroyo is the addition of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera to the Reds’ roster. Not only will Arroyo have to contend with McLain (who is still entrenched at second) and De La Cruz, but he now needs to leapfrog two players that the Reds considered valuable enough to pick up at the end of a forgettable season.

Even if he turns out to be a competent third baseman, Arroyo will need to improve his hitting to vie for playing time against Ke’Bryan Hayes (which is really saying something).

Arroyo also faced competition this year from Louisville teammate Leo Balcazar, who is on the verge of supplanting him as the next best middle infield prospect in the system. Further down the depth chart, Tyson Lewis, Justin Lebron, and Steele Hall are poised to make a run. There’s a fleet of younger talent coming for Arroyo’s job.

It only seems fair, then, for the Reds to explore trades when the offseason window opens. Cincinnati will need a couple of bullpen arms to replace Brock Burke and Pierce Johnson in 2027. A sure-handed shortstop like Arroyo could certainly sweeten the pot in those talks.

Regardless of whom Cincinnati gets in return, it seems like Arroyo’s time with the organization may be coming to an end, and the Reds would do well to make the most of his value while they can.

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