Cincinnati Reds Officially Pass on Overpriced Stars: “Instead of Chasing Big Names, We’d Rather Invest $150 Million in a Chili Stand and Still Have Change”
As the Cincinnati Reds head into the 2026 offseason, smart and sustainable roster decisions are paramount. After an 83‑79 season and a National League Wild Card appearance, Cincinnati showed promise but also exposed clear areas needing improvement—especially in consistent power production and depth. Rather than overspending on big‑name stars who don’t align with the club’s financial flexibility or long‑term strategy, the Reds are prioritizing internal growth and pragmatic upgrades. Payroll limitations and arbitration raises for key contributors further temper Cincinnati’s ability to chase blockbuster signings.
Here’s a closer look at three players the Reds should steer clear of this offseason:
1. Ketel Marte
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has surfaced in trade chatter as a veteran bat with All‑Star credentials. However, acquiring Marte would likely require Cincinnati to take on his substantial remaining contract—worth over $80 million across multiple seasons—and potentially part with prized young talent to secure him. Considering the Reds’ limited payroll flexibility and priority of keeping players like Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, and Matt McLain in Cincinnati, trading top prospect capital (or multiple rotation or bullpen pieces) for a soon‑to‑be 30‑plus veteran doesn’t fit the team’s timeline.
2. Kyle Schwarber‑Level Free Agents
Free agents like Kyle Schwarber and similar big bats were high on many fans’ wish lists to address the Reds’ lack of power in 2025. Schwarber led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs—numbers that would have added thunder to the Reds’ lineup—but he ultimately re‑signed with the Phillies on a long‑term deal. This leaves Cincinnati without the slugger they pursued and highlights the challenge of luring marquee free agents on a limited budget. With projected payroll stability near 2025 levels and only a modest amount of spending room after arbitration raises, the Reds simply can’t compete financially with larger markets for top free‑agent bats.
3. High‑Risk International or Projection‑Based Targets
Targeting a high‑profile international slugger or a power hitter with limited MLB track record (e.g., speculative corner bats) carries its own risks for Cincinnati. With a lineup already featuring exciting young contributors—like Elly De La Cruz, who showed elite tools but inconsistent power and strikeout issues in 2025, and Matt McLain, coming off his first full healthy season—adding another big bat who may struggle to adjust could disrupt developmental momentum. Rather than betting big on a boom‑or‑bust type, the Reds are better served reinforcing complementary pieces around their core.
Why the Reds Are Taking a Different Path
Cincinnati’s offseason reality involves managing arbitration raises, preserving young talent, and addressing specific roster needs without overspending. According to payroll projections, once arbitration raises are accounted for alongside existing contracts, the Reds will have limited room to add major free agents—especially long‑term, high‑AAV hitters.
Instead of pursuing overpriced stars, the Reds are more likely to focus on:
Developing and maximizing young talent — Keeping players like De La Cruz, McLain, Steer, and Noelvi Marte in everyday roles to build sustainable success.
Targeting affordable upgrades — Adding mid‑tier free agents or trade targets who fill clear needs (e.g., bullpen depth, situational power, or defensive upgrades) without sacrificing future flexibility.
Selective external additions — Prioritizing players who complement the core rather than overshadow it or drain payroll for years.
Conclusion
For the Cincinnati Reds, the 2026 offseason isn’t about splashy headlines—it’s about pragmatism, player development, and fiscal discipline. Passing on big‑ticket stars like Ketel Marte and other blockbuster free agents preserves long‑term flexibility and allows Cincinnati to build a more complete roster around its young core. With smart, strategic decisions, the Reds can remain competitive in the NL Central and deepen a promising postseason trajectory without mortgaging the future.
