Reds rumors fuel optimism that Cincy is building momentum instead of standing pat

When the Cincinnati Reds signed former first-round pick JJ Bleday and traded for Miami Marlins outfielder Dane Myers, the fanbase's reaction was about what you'd expect — here we go again. Reds fans have become accustomed to seeing the front office make minor upgrades and call it an overhaul. But new Reds rumors have emerged, and it appears that Cincinnati isn't done revamping their roster just yet.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Reds view the additions of Bleday and Myers as upside players who offer protection in the event they’re unable to make a bigger acquisition. That will bring a modicum of relief to those throughout Reds Country who feared that these latest acquisitions would be the only investment Cincinnati was willing to make this offseason.

Reds Rumors: JJ Bleday and Dane Myers are not the only outfield additions Cincy hopes to make this offseason

The writers for The Athletic went on to report that the Reds' continued efforts to upgrade the lineup will likely come through a trade and not free agency. So all those fans who were hoping to see an Eugenio Suárez reunion should probably abandon that idea altogether.

It's also worth noting that the Reds' plans appear to be centered around the idea of adding an outfielder in order to upgrade the lineup. At the moment, Bleday, Myers, TJ Friedl, and Noelvi Marte are likely to open the 2026 season on the Opening Day roster. But both Bleday and Myers, and holdover Will Benson have minor-league options remaining. That little tidbit could certainly factor in to Cincinnati's decision making.

These latest Reds rumors reveal the club's desire to keep making additions, but it takes two to tango. Cincinnati is undoubtedly looking for a low-cost trade candidate, which could make the team's rumored pursuit of Luis Robert Jr. a thing of the past.

Cincy has been linked to the Chicago White Sox outfielder for quite some time, but their asking price is said to remain high, and Robert is still owed $20 million next season. But while Robert may now be off the Reds' radar, there are plenty of cost-controlled outfielders who could still fit into Cincinnati's 2026 budget.