Reds rumors point to Ketel Marte and more in a Winter Meetings overhaul

Though the Cincinnati Reds missed out on signing free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, they're not done shopping at this year's MLB Winter Meetings. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Reds aren't ready to start hunting for bargains just yet.

Rosenthal notes that sources briefed on the Reds' line of thinking have linked the team to Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte and Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Lowe. Both players offer plenty of offensive upside, though their contracts are structured much differently.

Marte just inked a new deal with the D-backs shortly after the 2025 season got underway. He's still owed $102 million over the next six years with more than $40 million in deferrals. Lowe, on the other hand, is under contract for just one more season and is slated to make a little less than $12 million in 2026.

Reds Rumors: Cincy linked to Ketel Marte & Brandon Lowe as the Winter Meetings come to a close

While Marte has some off-the-field concerns and team-chemistry issues, his bat is among the best at his position. Last season, Marte hit .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs and was among the best in baseball in expected batting average and expecting slugging percentage. For his career, Marte owns a .281/.351/.472 slash line with 171 homers, 587 RBI, and a 121 OPS+. He's an elite hitter.

As for Lowe, his numbers were a bit more pedestrian last season (.256/.307/.477), but over the course of his eight-year Major League career, has posted a respectable .247/.326/.481 slash line, and has smashed 20 or more homers in four of the last five seasons. The Reds aren't the only team looking to add the Rays' infielder, however, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in Lowe as well.

Rosenthal mentioned that adding Marte to the roster would require Cincinnati to do something they absolutely hate — trade away young talent. It's unknown who the D-backs would be targeting, but Rosenthal cited Gavin Lux as a potential piece of the puzzle.

The Reds are also said to be involved on a number of free agents, and the versatility of so many on their roster — Lux, Spencer Steer, Sal Stewart, Noelvi Marte, and others — helps Cincinnati to cast a wide net.

Cincinnati's top executives may leave Orlando empty-handed, but if any of these Reds rumors come to fruition, it could radically change the fanbase's perception of the club's offseason strategy — which, at the moment, has been highly questionable.