Reds spending freeze suddenly makes sense amid latest broadcast drama

After returning to the playoffs for the first time in a 162-game season since 2013, Cincinnati Reds fans were expecting their favorite team to increase spending this offseason and build off their success from 2025.

Unfortunately, outside of the organization's failed attempt to sign Middletown native Kyle Schwarber, the Reds have done little to improve their roster. Recent reporting from The Athletic (subscription required) and Sports Business Journal may offer some insight as to why.

According to The Athletic, next season’s television income for nine Major League Baseball teams — the Reds being one of them — is up in the air. Main Street Sports, who operates FanDuel Sports Network, is attempting to negotiate a sale with DAZN — a British sports streaming platform — but the Sports Business Journal is reporting that the deal is teetering with several MLB teams expected to opt out.

Troubling TV deal could be a big reason why the Reds didn't increase spending this offseason

According to FanGraphs, the Reds estimated payroll to end the 2025 season was $119 million. Cincinnati is not expected to eclipse that mark in 2026, and current estimates place the Reds' payroll at $111 million. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the Reds' 2025 Opening Day payroll was $111 million, so the 2026 budget is already in line with last year's spending.

The Reds are staring down a number of arbitration raises heading into next year, with players like Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Matt McLain all expected to see an uptick in salary. Cincinnati is also on the hook for the remainder of Jeimer Candelario's contract ($16 million) despite the fact the two sides parted ways last season.

Though the Reds ownership group and the Castellini family have always been rather frugal when it comes to spending, this latest hiccup with the team's broadcast rights may have forced them to tighten their belts even more.

If the Reds decide to opt out of their deal with Main Street Sports, it's likely that MLB will take over the team's broadcast in 2026 — something that was expected last season until a last-minute deal was struck with FanDuel Sports Network.

The Reds are not alone in this endeavor. If the sale between Main Street Sports and DAZN falls through, it will also affect the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, and Miami Marlins. Interestingly enough, much like the Reds, none of those teams have greatly increased their spending efforts this offseason.