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Reds' new pitching coach hire makes one Guardians trade target even more appealing

Keep a sharp eye.
ByAbigail Miskowiec
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Oct 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox in game four of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox in game four of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds’ greatest need this offseason is pitching, and the team’s inability to re-sign Brady Singer presents an immediate need for an innings-eating starter.

Fortunately, the cross-state rival Cleveland Guardians have one such arm that might be up for grabs on the trade market. Tanner Bibee’s inconsistent use in the postseason may suggest Cleveland’s willingness to part ways with the right-hander, and Cincinnati could be the beneficiary.

Bibee earned a lucrative contract with a pair of strong seasons at the start of his career. Since then, his results have been fairly marginal. Still, Bibee eclipsed 180 innings in each of the past two innings, and the Reds have been beset with pitching injuries and need a guy who can take the ball every five days. On top of that, Bibee would be reunited with Joe Torres, the Reds’ new pitching coach, who helped guide the young pitcher to success in Cleveland.

Tanner Bibee would be a low-cost, high-return trade target for the Reds

It’s not that Bibee, who took home a Gold Glove Award this week, has been particularly bad these past two years. In 64 starts, he has produced a 4.30 ERA. His strikeout numbers have fallen a bit, but his WHIP has remained steady. In 2026, he leaned heavily on his sinker, which wasn’t as effective as it has been in years past. At just 27 years old, there’s no reason to think he can’t continue to be a steady presence in a rotation for the foreseeable future.

If the Reds do trade for Bibee, they would be getting an arm that is under control through at least 2029. He’ll have a club option with a $1 million buyout for 2030. The backloaded contract means that he will be making far more than he will likely be worth in 2029, but spread over the next three seasons, he’ll be making a more reasonable $13 million AAV.

If Bibee finds his way back to his 2023 or 2024 form, seasons that saw him produce a combined 3.25 ERA and 6.7 bWAR, the Reds would be clear winners of the trade. As the Guardians’ window of contention closes, it may be time for Cincinnati to take a stab at making a deal.

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