Zack Littell comps will have Reds fans speculating about Cincy's offseason plans

Cincinnati Reds fans got their first taste of Zack Littell earlier this week. The former Tampa Bay Rays starter made his Reds' debut against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field and put up some impressive numbers.

Littell's first game with the Reds saw him cover seven innings, rack up eight punch outs, walk only two batters and allow just three hits. Cincinnati is hoping to see more of the same from Littell during his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Curiously, Littlell has drawn numerous comparisons of late to another Reds pitcher. Manager Terry Francona called Littell a pro's pro following his start last Tuesday, and compared him to Nick Martinez — a comp that others have cited as well. If the Reds front office views Littell in the same light, one has to wonder if Nick Krall is already making plans to bring him back in 2026.

Zack Littell comps will have Reds fans speculating about Cincy's offseason plans

After an impressive season splitting time between the starting rotation and the bullpen, the Reds extended a qualifying offer to Martinez last November, and the veteran signed it. MLB rules prohibit the Reds from doing so again this offseason, and even if they could, it's doubtful that Cincinnati would want to invest $21 million-plus to keep Martinez around in 2026.

These recent comparisons to Martinez, however, could have the Reds thinking about keeping Littell around after the 2025 season. Much like MLB rules don't allow a player to receive a qualifying offer twice, those same regulations prevent teams from slapping a QO on a player who was traded during the season. Though Cincinnati wouldn't want to pay Littell that kind of cash anyway, it's still against the rules.

Cincinnati could, however, look to offer a two or three-year contract to Littell. His splitter looked un-hittable the other night against the Cubs, and if his repertoire is something the Reds hope to keep around for 2026 and beyond, they'll need to work out a long-term deal sooner rather than later.

This offseason will be a crucial one for the Reds front office, and Littell is just one of many players Krall and Co. will be thinking about long and hard. Brady Singer is another name that could be in line for contract extension, and the Reds have already talks about a long-term deal with Matt McLain. Don't be surprised if Littell's name sneaks into the conversation as well.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors