Reds Notes: Kyle Farmer's new home, Tyler Stephenson arbitration hearing, Joey Votto

The Cincinnati Reds reunited with Eugenio Suárez last week on a one-year, $15 million deal. Unfortunately, a reunion with former fan-favorite Kyle Farmer is now off the table after the the veteran signed a minor-league deal with his hometown team, the Atlanta Braves.

Farmer was part of the infamous 2018 trade that brought Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Alex Wood to Cincinnati in exchange for Homer Bailey, Jeter Downs, and Josiah Gray. Farmer was the only player who survived on the Reds roster beyond the 2019 season.

Puig was dealt at the trade deadline as part of the deal for Trevor Bauer, Kemp was designated for assignment barely a month into his Reds tenure, and Wood was plagued buy injuries and only appeared in seven games. Farmer, however, went from backup catcher (2019), to super utility player (2020-21), to the team's starting shortstop (2022).

Reds News: Former fan-favorite Kyle Farmer signs free agent deal with the Braves

Farmer garnered a ton of support from the Cincinnati faithful thanks to his gritty style of play, above-average defense, and good ole boy demeanor. The Reds traded Farmer to the Minnesota Twins after the 2022 season in order to help pave the way for Jose Barrero — a move the front office would probably like to have back.

Farmer remained in Minnesota for two years before joining the Colorado Rockies this past season. His defense began to decline and he hit just .227 with a .645 OPS. With Ha-Seong Kim sidelined, however, a strong showing during spring training could give a chance Farmer could break camp with the Braves and be part of Atlanta's Opening roster.

Reds News: Tyler Stephenson's arbitration hearing is Monday, Joey Votto officially joins NBC's coverage of MLB

The Reds lost their arbitration hearing with Graham Ashcraft last week. Ashcraft requested a $1.75 million salary for 2026 and Cincinnati countered with $1.25 million. Ashcraft will take home that extra $500,000 this coming season, and the Reds will soon learn how much they owe Tyler Stephenson in 2026.

The Reds starting catcher is in the final year of his arbitration window and filed at $6.8 million. The Reds offered $6.55 million. His case will be held before an arbiter, with the results likely to be made public on Tuesday. Stephenson will be a free agent after the upcoming season.

By now, most Reds fans have heard that Joey Votto will be part of NBC's coverage of Sunday Night Baseball. His role, however, was somewhat mysterious. Would Votto be in the booth, in the studio, or serve in another capacity?

Fans now have their answer after NBC revealed that Votto will join former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and longtime Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo as in-studio analysts for the upcoming season. So while Votto won't be on the call with Bob Costas, Reds fans can tune in ahead of the game to hear insights from the former MVP.