It was going to be an uphill climb for the Reds to make it back to October in 2026, even though Cincinnati snapped its playoff drought in 2025. Injuries and other problems for the Reds didn’t make it any easier. Now, Cincinnati has decisions to make this decision that could chart the future of the organization.

Biggest needs for Reds

Historically, the Reds have not been “big” players in the free agent market. Last winter, the Reds had more of a reserved offseason, bringing back Eugenio Suarez & Emilio Pagan, plus bringing in JJ Bleday. Cincinnati also made a well-publicized push for hometown boy Kyle Schwarber, which didn’t work.

So, it’s very difficult to estimate what the Reds will do, especially with the rumors surrounding Elly De La Cruz already underway. But if the Reds want to compete again in 2027, it’s fairly obvious what the club needs: pitching.

Yes, a lot of teams need pitching, including some in the NL Central. However, keep in mind that Emilio Pagan went back to the free agent market, and Hunter Greene won’t be available in 2027 due to injury.

The Reds walked into the winter with a rotation that features ace Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and a lot of questions.

Burns was excellent in 2026, and that’s not disputable. Abbott pitched better as the year went along but the two big question marks, aside from who will fill out that rotation, are Lodolo and Lowder.

Lodolo’s dealt with multiple IL stints over the years, several of which can be attributed to blister problems. As for Lowder, he made 26 starts last year, a positive. However, his 7.0 K/9 was among the lowest for starting pitchers this season; and, oddly enough, it was higher than Lodolo’s last year.

And aside from rotation help, someone who can replace Pagan, free agent Pierce Johnson would help. The Reds’ bullpen, overall, took a step back, as Tony Santillan and Connor Phillips weren’t as reliable compared to 2025.

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