Reds’ two club-options seem like no-brainers, but one might surprise everyone

The Los Angeles Dodgers have already punched their ticket to the World Series, meaning we're one step closer to the official start of the MLB offseason. Once the World Series comes to a close, the Cincinnati Reds and every other organization throughout baseball will begin to reshape their roster for the 2026 season.

One of the first items of business on the offseason calendar for Nick Krall will be the club-options for relievers Brent Suter and Scott Barlow. Austin Hays has a $12 million mutual-option as well, but Cincinnati's front office will almost assuredly turn it down.

As for the Suter and Barlow, however, the decision is not so cut and dry. Suter's contract has a $3 million team-option for 2026 with a $250,000 buyout, while Barlow's club-option for next season is worth $6.5 million with a $1 million buyout.

Reds’ club-options for Brent Suter and Scott Barlow seem like no-brainers

The Reds were staring down a similar situation with Suter last offseason, but rather than pick up his club-option for 2025, Cincinnati signed the left-hander to a new deal. Reds fans shouldn't be shocked if the same thing happens again in the coming weeks, but Suter's $3 million option is relatively affordable, even for a low-budget club like the Reds.

While the Cincinnati native ended his 2025 campaign with a less-than-stellar 4.52 ERA, Suter is a reliable arm that Terry Francona was able to turn in multiple situations last season. He started three games for the Reds and made another 45 appearances out of the Cincinnati bullpen. With so few left-handed relief options, the Reds should look to bring Suter back in 2026 — though it may be on a brand new deal.

As for Barlow, it's difficult to see the Reds' front office exercise his $6.5 million option for next season. While there were moments, especially midway through the season, when it looked like Barlow was a slam dunk to return next year, he faltered down the stretch. During the month of September, Barlow walked more batters than he struck out, and posted an unsightly 10.80 ERA and 9.62 FIP.

It can be assumed that Cincinnati would welcome Barlow back next season, but there's no way they can afford to hand over $6.5 million in order to do it. Much like Suter, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Reds and Barlow agree to a renegotiated deal heading into the offseason.

With closer Emilio Pagán and swingman Nick Martinez both set to hit the open market, the Reds can ill-afford to have a lack of veteran leadership in the bullpen. But Krall and Co. will have to make sure that whoever they decide to retain fits neatly into the budget.