Reds Lose 4 Players to Free Agency: Emilio Pagán, Eugenio Suárez, Brady Singer & Tyler Stephenson

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin discuss the Cincinnati Reds mass departure of free agency and take a look at the roster left behind.

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Cincinnati Reds Offseason 2026-27: Roster Needs, Free Agents and Moves

The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2026-27 offseason with a clear challenge: turn a talented young core into a more complete roster capable of contending in the National League Central. Cincinnati finished the 2026 season 75-87 and in last place in the division, leaving the front office with plenty of work to do before Opening Day 2027. The Reds have young stars to build around, but the roster needs meaningful additions after a disappointing finish.

Cincinnati’s first offseason moves have already reshaped the outlook. Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million player option, while the Reds and Pierce Johnson declined their mutual option. Eugenio Suárez also became a free agent after his mutual option was declined. Those decisions leave the Reds searching for a new closer, more bullpen depth and an answer at third base or designated hitter. The club has also lost starting pitcher Brady Singer and catcher Tyler Stephenson to free agency, making those positions major offseason priorities.

The Reds have begun adding pitching depth, claiming right-handers Duncan Davitt and Paxton Schultz off waivers on Nov. 2. Both pitchers give Cincinnati additional options as the organization evaluates its bullpen. These are depth moves, and the Reds will need more established arms to stabilize a staff that faced injuries and inconsistency in 2026.

Starting pitching should be near the top of Cincinnati’s offseason wish list. Hunter Greene is expected to miss the 2027 season after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery, while the Reds will need to replace Singer’s innings. Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson remain part of the rotation picture, but health and consistency are key questions. Adding a dependable starter would give the Reds a stronger foundation and help protect a bullpen that also needs reinforcements.

The bullpen may require a substantial rebuild. Pagán’s departure removes Cincinnati’s established closer, and Johnson is also headed to free agency. The Reds need reliable late-inning options and enough depth to cover a full season. Internal arms could compete for roles, but the front office will need proven relievers who can handle leverage situations and keep the bullpen from becoming a major weakness.

Catcher is another important need after Stephenson reached free agency. Jose Trevino offers experience, while top prospect Alfredo Duno is still developing, so Cincinnati must decide whether to pursue an outside addition or find a short-term solution. The Reds also need to replace Suárez’s production and fill out the lineup around Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, Matt McLain and Spencer Steer.

That young core gives the Reds a reason to be optimistic. De La Cruz remains one of baseball’s most dynamic players, Stewart is coming off a standout rookie season, and Chase Burns is expected to be an important part of the pitching staff. The challenge is adding dependable veterans to support them. Cincinnati cannot count on prospects alone to solve every hole, especially after finishing near the bottom of the division.

Payroll flexibility could give the Reds room to make additions, but the key question is how aggressively ownership and the front office will use it. The club has said it needs to examine what worked and what did not after the 2026 season. Fans will be watching for moves that address the rotation, bullpen, catcher and lineup rather than relying only on low-cost depth signings.

The Cincinnati Reds offseason is still in its early stages, and the most important decisions are ahead. The front office must replace Pagán, add starting pitching, rebuild the bullpen and address catcher and lineup needs. If Cincinnati makes targeted upgrades while keeping its young core intact, the Reds can improve their chances.