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The Cincinnati Reds are bracing for what could be one of their most consequential and challenging offseasons in recent memory. Following a disappointing 75-win campaign in 2026, the front office has numerous roster questions to address, none more pressing than the state of the bullpen.
Complicating matters is the looming December 1 deadline for Major League Baseball and the Players Association to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. With a work stoppage a real possibility, teams must decide whether to act aggressively in free agency before the deadline or adopt a wait-and-see approach.
Among the Reds' many deficiencies last season, one need stands out above the rest: the bullpen. Statistically, Cincinnati's relief corps was among the worst in baseball in 2026. The unit ranked 25th in bullpen ERA (4.68) and 25th in WHIP (1.44), while converting only 63.8 percent of save opportunities—a mark that placed them in the bottom third of the league.
Now, the two best relievers from that group are no longer under contract. Brock Burke's deal expired at the end of the season, and closer Emilio Pagán declined his player option earlier this week. That leaves Tejay Antone as the only reliever on the roster with an ERA below 4.00.
While the offense also struggled, ranking near the bottom of the league in several categories, the bullpen's woes compounded the team's inability to sustain success. After a 20-win opening month, the relief corps was largely responsible for the team's collapse in May. In one particularly forgettable game in Pittsburgh, Reds pitchers walked seven consecutive batters, tying an MLB record.
The team faces a multitude of questions this offseason, but analysts suggest the bullpen should be the top priority, with the offense and rotation addressed afterward if the Reds hope to contend.
Reds Decline Suarez's Option
In another move, the Reds announced Sunday that they will not exercise their half of Eugenio Suarez's mutual option for 2027, making him a free agent. Suarez finished the season strong but was inconsistent for much of the year after suffering an oblique injury in early May. He ended the campaign with 26 home runs but posted a .212 batting average and a .740 OPS.
Suarez was signed in February after the team missed out on Kyle Schwarber in free agency the previous offseason, despite reports that the Reds were serious contenders. Schwarber went on to hit 45 home runs with 97 RBI and an .857 OPS, helping Philadelphia return to the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.
With Suarez gone, the designated hitter spot is now open. Sal Stewart could see more playing time at third base next season, though Ke'Bryan Hayes is expected to be the starter. Players can officially sign with teams starting November 2 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The Reds have significant work to do to improve a roster that managed only 75 wins in 2026.