Reds roster cuts hint at a bigger plans beyond adding Dane Myers and JJ Bleday

Over the weekend, the Cincinnati Reds agreed to terms with free agent outfielder JJ Bleday, and a few hours later, pulled off a trade with the Miami Marlins that brought Dane Myers to Cincinnati. While both players are likely to figure into the Reds' plans in 2026, the corresponding roster cuts may be an indicator of Cincinnati's next big move.

Prior to the deal for Bleday and the trade for Myers, the Reds roster was completely full. As such, Cincinnati was forced to cut two players in order to squeeze both outfielders onto the 40-man roster. The Reds decided to designate right-handers Keegan Thompson and Lyon Richardson for assignment.

While neither Thompson nor Richardson were expected to be key cogs for the Reds in 2026, both players added length to a Cincinnati bullpen that had already lost a lot this offseason. Though the team was able to re-sign closer Emilio Pagán, the trio of Nick Martinez, Brent Suter, and Scott Barlow left via free agency. That's over 300 innings that are unaccounted for heading into next season.

The Reds bullpen may be a bigger concern than the lineup

The Reds recently signed Columbus native Caleb Ferguson, and last year's rookies — Luis Mey, Zach Maxwell, and Connor Phillips — will all be expected to take steps forward in 2026, but Cincinnati's front office still has a lot of work to do this offseason in order to bolster the bullpen.

President of baseball operations Nick Krall has consistently cited the team's need to upgrade the bullpen this offseason, and the Reds' latest roster cuts may signal the organization's top priority heading into the new year.

The relief market has been scorching hot this winter, with top-end closers signing three-year deals worth more than $20 million per year. Veterans like Jakob Junis, Danny Coulombe, and Jalen Beeks are still available in free agency, and the Reds could also seek to find trade opportunities as well.

While Reds fans are screaming at the front office to add some pop to the middle of the batting order, Krall and Co. may instead turn their focus to the relief corps. Adding power to the lineup and relief pitching are clear areas of need for the Reds this offseason, but given the team's budget constraints, there may not be enough money left to address both.