Reds News: Free agency opens, qualifying offer decisions, Carlos Jorge's Gold Glove

Buckle up, Reds fans. The Major League Baseball offseason — the abbreviated version — will be in full swing once the clock strikes 5 p.m. ET on Monday. That's when the free agency window opens.

The Cincinnati Reds have the unenviable task of filling multiple holes on their roster, some of which were made even worse after Tyler Stephenson, Brock Burke, and Brady Singer became free agents last week. The situation became even more bleak after Emilio Pagán opted out of his contract.

Reds have some free agent, qualifying offer decisions to make — and fast

The Reds have until 5 p.m. ET on Monday to extend a qualifying offer to any of their impending free agents. Doing so would insure draft compensation in the event that a player was signed by an opposing organization, or guarantee a $23.1 million pay day to the player in question.

Earlier this summer, rumors were swirling about the Reds' intention of offering Singer a QO. Given how poorly he performed over the final two months of the season, Cincinnati would be foolish to extend such an offer.

The Reds also declined the team's mutual-options for Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson, meaning they'll both enter the free agent pool as well. Neither Suárez or Johnson, nor the trio of Stephenson, Burke, and Pagán are likely to receive a QO.

But that doesn't mean the Reds have slammed the door to a reunion with any of their six free agents. Though the notion of re-signing Suárez or Johnson feels like a long shot, the idea of bringing back any one of Stephenson, Singer, Pagán, or Burke has to on the mind of Nick Krall and the Reds' front office.

Reds outfield Carlos Jorge receives MiLB Golf Glove award

None of the players on the Reds' roster were among the finalists for the Rawling's Gold Glove awards this year, but outfielder Carlos Jorge won the Minor League Gold Glove award among centerfielders.

Jorge received a late call-up to the big leagues during the final month of the season, but spent most of his 2026 campaign split between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. He recorded seven outfield assists in 2026, and during his brief time in the majors, was worth 2 DRS and 1 OAA.

Jorge is a converted second baseman who's successfully made the transition to the outfield. His glovework was a major reason he made it to big leagues in 2026, but his bat will need to improve if he hopes to stick around.

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