Cincinnati Reds News

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Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart Mostly Playing First and Second Base

Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Sal Stewart is mostly playing first base and second base during spring training, manager Terry Francona told Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19. It's an interesting development given that Stewart played a mix of first and third base in his brief taste of MLB action last year, but the focus has shifted to keeping him on the right side of the infield. Goldsmith explained that Matt McLain is the Reds' primary second baseman, but Stewart could play there when McLain is off or playing shortstop. He also reported that Triple-A manager Pat Kelly said second base might be Stewart's best position. It's encouraging to see that Stewart has defensive versatility, as it could help to get his bat into the lineup more often. While it came over a small sample size of 18 big-league games, Stewart impressed with a .255/.293/.545 slash line, five home runs, a 5.2% walk rate, a 25.9% strikeout rate, and 124 wRC+ last year. He currently ranks #21 among first basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but more consistent playing time could boost his stock.

Yesterday

Spencer Steer • 1B • Reds

Spencer Steer's Quad Injury a Thing of the Past?

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (quadriceps) played through a sore right quadriceps that bothered him for most of last season, and he finished with a .238/.312/.411 slash line, 21 home runs, and 75 RBI in 146 games. Steer also dealt with a sore right shoulder that lingered after the 2024 campaign. To avoid re-injuring his quad this year, Steer said he cleaned up some of his sprinting mechanics. The 28-year-old will see time at first base in 2026 and could occasionally spell Matt McClain at second base, but most of his playing time is expected to come in either left or right field. Steer's drop in stolen bases from 25 in 2024 to just seven last year likely had a lot to do with his quad issue. Steer will be more of a super-utility player in 2026, and his stolen base numbers could bounce back with better help, giving fantasy managers some hope that he can post another 20-20 season. He's hit at least 20 homers in each of the last three seasons, being propped up by a very hitter-friendly home ballpark.

3 days ago

Nathaniel Lowe • 1B • Reds

Reds Bringing in Nathaniel Lowe

The Cincinnati Reds are signing free-agent first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to an undisclosed non-roster deal on Friday, sources told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Lowe joins the Reds on a minor-league deal and will compete for an Opening Day roster spot in spring training after hitting a disappointing .228/.307/.381 in 153 regular-season games last year with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. However, the 30-year-old veteran slugger did manage to clear the fences 18 times while driving in 84 runs and scoring 64 times. Even if Lowe performs well in Cactus League games, he'll be hard-pressed for regular playing time in Cincinnati in 2026 as long as both Eugenio Suarez and Sal Stewart are healthy. Suarez and Stewart are projected to split time at first base and designated hitter for the Reds. Lowe will provide Cincy with more pop from the left side without a clear path to regular playing time.

3 days ago

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Manager Praises Rhett Lowder During Rotation Battle

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that starting pitcher Rhett Lowder "pitches like a vet," according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19. "It's very obvious," Francona added. "It jumps out. He knows what he's doing." That's high praise for the 23-year-old amid competition for the fifth starter spot in the Reds' rotation. Lowder pitched just 9.1 innings in the minors last season due to a right forearm strain and left oblique strain. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024, when he tossed 30.2 innings across six starts. During his limited taste of action as a rookie, he posted a 1.17 ERA and 3.10 FIP with 6.46 K/9, 4.11 BB/9, and no home runs. Chase Burns is the early favorite to make Cincinnati's rotation, but Lowder, Chase Petty, and Brandon Williamson (elbow) are also heavily in the mix as spring camp gets underway.

3 days ago

Christian Encarnacion-Strand • 1B • Reds

Christian Encarnacion-Strand May Miss First Few Spring Games

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring in January, according to Charlie Goldsmith. Encarnacion-Strand is on a running progression in camp and may be forced to miss the first few Cactus League games. The 26-year-old is off to a bad start in spring training after struggling to the tune of a .208/.234/.377 slash line with a .610 OPS, six home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in just 36 games played in 2025 in his third year in the big leagues. He was eventually sent down to Triple-A Louisville on July 12 and never made it back to Cincy. CEH's plate discipline was awful, and it didn't improve much down on the farm, as he struck out nearly 25% of the time. He has 21 home runs in his three years in the big leagues, but his 27.1% strikeout rate and high chase rate haven't helped his cause. Barring a strong spring training, Encarnacion-Strand could find himself back at Louisville to begin the 2026 season.

4 days ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Will be Slow-Played in Spring Training

The Cincinnati Reds plan to slow-play right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan and Tony Santillan in spring training this year. Both relievers are healthy in 2026, but they won't pitch in spring training games right away after pitching in so many high-stress situations in 2025, according to Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Reds don't plan to sue Pagan or Santillan as much as they did last year, which is why they added relievers Caleb Ferguson, Pierce Johnson, and Brock Burke in the offseason. Pagan appeared in a career-high 70 games (68 2/3 innings), recording a 2.88 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, career-high 32 saves, 81 strikeouts, and 22 walks. Santillan appeared in a career-high 80 games and threw 73 2/3 innings in the regular season. The 34-year-old Pagan will open the year as Cincy's primary closer, but he could be on a short leash in the role if he continues to struggle to keep the ball in the yard.

7 days ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Could Regress After Career Year

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan became the top option in the bullpen last season. Pagan took over as the primary closer and ran away with the job. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and an 81/22 K/BB ratio with 32 saves in 70 appearances. The biggest concern is the fly-ball rate in a hitter's park in Cincinnati. His 56.7% fly-ball rate is too high to continue having the type of success he experienced last season. Pagan gave up 10 long balls across 68.2 innings, which was his most since the 2022 campaign. His 29.1% ground-ball rate doesn't do him any favors. The 34-year-old will likely need to miss bats and record strikeouts at a higher rate to replicate the same success. Given the lack of competition, Pagan should be a safe bet for around 20 saves, but another 30-plus season seems unlikely.

Feb 8

Noelvi Marte • 3B • Reds

Noelvi Marte Projected for Larger Role in 2026

Cincinnati Reds third baseman/outfielder Noelvi Marte had a solid season at the plate last year, and he should take on an even larger role during the 2026 season. Marte ultimately played 90 games last year, slashing .263/.300/.448 with 14 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He technically decreased his K/BB rate from 2024 to 2025, but he still struck out at a 23.6% clip while walking just 4.4% of the time. The 24-year-old was ultimately right near league-average at the plate, producing 101 wRC+. Defensively, he split time between third base and right field, performing markedly better at the latter. He finished the year with -2 OAA and -2 FRV at the hot corner, but just -1 OAA and 0 FRV in right field. FanGraphs' ZiPS projections estimate more playing time (115 games) for Marte in 2026, and specifically, we expect him to play more right field with Ke'Bryan Hayes slotted into third base. At the moment, Marte ranks #34 among outfielders and #78 among hitters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.

Feb 8

Graham Ashcraft • RP • Reds

Graham Ashcraft Wins Arbitration Case

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft won his salary arbitration case against the team on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Ashcraft will make $1.75 million in 2026. After dealing with injuries and posting an ERA just under 5.00 in his first three seasons with the Reds as a starter, Cincy converted the 27-year-old into a full-time reliever in 2025, and the results were solid. Ashcraft had a career-best 3.99 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 64 strikeouts and 25 walks in 65 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He will enter the 2026 campaign in a middle-relief role again, which limits his fantasy appeal, but Ashcraft did tally 23 holds last year, which was tied for 19th in the league. Injuries were still an issue -- he made two trips to the injured list. Ashcraft also had a career-high 22.5% strikeout rate in 2025, although it's still a bit underwhelming for how hard he throws.

Feb 6

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene Stays in Cincinnati, Remains a Top Fantasy Arm

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene remains with the team ahead of spring training, despite countless trade rumors and speculation throughout the offseason. At times, it sounded like Greene might be a legitimate trade candidate, but in the end, he'll remain the ace in Cincinnati's rotation for at least one more year. He's coming off a solid season that was abbreviated due to injury. Across 19 starts (107.2 innings), he posted a 3.04 xERA, 11.03 K/9, and 2.17 BB/9. Loud contact was a slightly concerning subject as his home run rate jumped to 1.25 HR/9 and his ground ball rate dropped to 32.9%. Still, his impressive control and ability to blow his 100 mph fastball by batters make him one of the most exciting players to watch and roster in fantasy baseball. He remains atop the Reds' rotation and is on track for a 3.56 FIP with 3.2 fWAR in 2026, according to the ZiPS projections. As it stands, Greene ranks as the #9 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.

Feb 5

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Rhett Lowder Could be Mid-Rotation Starter For Reds in 2026

If healthy, The Athletic's Keith Law thinks that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm, oblique) could be a mid-rotation starter in 2026. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest began the 2025 season on the injured list with a forearm injury and then strained an oblique muscle during his rehab, which kept him out all year. However, during a stint in the Arizona Fall League, Lowder was back in the 93-95 mph range on his sinker and four-seam fastball while also displaying a plus changeup and a sharper slider that missed plenty of bats. He threw his slider more than any other pitch. Lowder will have to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but even if he doesn't win one out of camp, he'll be a name to watch given his pedigree. With four plus offerings, Lowder can keep hitters off balance.

Feb 4

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo Showing Steady Improvement Going into 2026

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo had a career-best 3.33 ERA (3.81 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, and 156:31 K:BB in 156 2/3 innings over 29 outings (career-high 28 starts) in his fourth year in the majors. The 6-foot-6 southpaw made another trip to the injured list due to blister issues, but overall, it was another step forward for the former first-rounder out of TCU. Perhaps the most impressive thing Lodolo did in 2025 was post a 4.8% walk rate, which ranked fourth among starting pitchers with at least 150 innings pitched. Lodolo's strikeout numbers have dropped a tad compared to his first few years in the league, but he still sports a solid 26.2% strikeout rate in his four seasons to go along with a 6.7% walk rate. If Lodolo can keep the ball in the yard more at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, a breakout in Year 5 could be coming in 2026. Treat him as a No. 3 starting pitcher with upside in fantasy baseball drafts.

Feb 3

Sal Stewart • 3B • Reds

Sal Stewart Expected to Split Time at First Base, Designated Hitter

Cincinnati Reds rookie and top prospect Sal Stewart is expected to have a similar role as Eugenio Suarez in 2026 as a designated hitter and corner infielder, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Ke'Bryan Hayes will be Cincy's regular third baseman. In addition to Suarez, Spencer Steer could also share time with Stewart at first base. Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025 but played in only 18 regular-season games, going 14-for-55 (.255) at the plate with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 58 plate appearances. The 22-year-old former first-round pick in 2022 is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2026 campaign, per MLB Pipeline. It was encouraging that he had a 52.5% hard-hit rate and 17.5% barrel rate in the big leagues, and Stewart should be an everyday player for the Reds in his first full year in the big leagues as long as he's healthy. Stewart is a nice late-round flier with a high-end hit tool and above-average power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.

Feb 2

Spencer Steer • 1B • Reds

Spencer Steer to Serve in Utility Role in 2026

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer, who was a National League Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will play some in the outfield and will have a utility role in 2026, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Eugenio Suarez and Sal Stewart are expected to see most of the at-bats at designated hitter and first base, so Steer could get squeezed to mostly playing in left field. Elite defenseman Ke'Bryan Hayes will be the starting third baseman. Left field was Steer's primary position in 2024. Although Steer managed to reach the 20-homer mark for the third straight year in 2025, he was mostly a disappointment offensively with a .238/.312/.411 slash line, .723 OPS, 21 homers, 75 RBI, 66 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 146 regular-season games. It helps that Steer is eligible at first and outfield in most fantasy leagues, but with his playing time potentially taking a dip in 2026, his fantasy stock is on the decline. RotoBaller has Steer ranked as the No. 25 fantasy first baseman.

Feb 2

Ke'Bryan Hayes • 3B • Reds

Ke'Bryan Hayes Expected to Stay at Third Base

Cincinnati Reds two-time National League Gold Glove winner Ke'Bryan Hayes is expected to remain entrenched as the team's starting third baseman, even after the signing of Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is expected to serve as Cincy's primary designated hitter, but he'll also see time at third and first base. Hayes hit .234/.315/.342 with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 52 regular-season games for the Reds in 2025 after they acquired him at midseason from the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. The 29-year-old was slightly better offensively after the move to Cincy, but his .306 slugging percentage was the worst among qualified hitters last year, and his .595 OPS was second-worst. Hayes' 2026 fantasy profile is slightly better as he enters his first full year with the Reds, but he's a better real-life player for his top-notch glove than a fantasy one. He's the No. 52 fantasy third baseman at RotoBaller.

Feb 2

Alfredo Duno • C • Reds

Alfredo Duno a Name to Watch in Dynasty Formats

Cincinnati Reds catching prospect Alfredo Duno is a name to monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 regular season. Duno is currently listed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Duno joined the Cincinnati system in 2023 and has continued to show high upside at the lower levels. He made his professional debut in 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, where he held a .303/.451/.493 line with a strong .944 OPS. This past season, he spent the entire campaign with Low-A Daytona, where he posted an impressive .287/.430/.518 slash line with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. Given his solid play last summer, managers should expect Duno to spend most of 2026 with High-A.

Feb 2

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Red Sox Did Not Pursue Eugenio Suarez in Free Agency

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox did not play a "meaningful role" in third baseman Eugenio Suarez's free-agent market. On Sunday evening, the slugging third baseman inked a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Pirates were also in heavy pursuit, but it appears the Red Sox did not make a strong push to upgrade their infield. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top infielders this winter but have been unsuccessful in their free-agent search. With Suarez off the board, the Red Sox could still look for a trade candidate or enter camp with Marcelo Mayer slated to cover third base. Last season, Mayer made his MLB debut and held a modest .228/.272/.402 slash line with four long balls. However, he showed significant upside as he progressed through the Boston system. If he were to open the season as the team's No. 1 third baseman, he would have solid sleeper appeal in deeper formats.

Feb 2

JJ Bleday • CF • Reds

JJ Bleday Could Open Season in Minor Leagues

Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday could be a candidate to begin the season in the minor leagues. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reported that Bleday still has minor league options and, as a result, could be sent to Triple-A to begin the campaign. The Reds signed the veteran outfielder to a one-year, $1.4 million contract earlier this offseason. Last summer, Bleday spent the season with the Athletics, where he launched 14 home runs but held a modest .212/.294/.404 line with a .698 OPS. In 2024, Bleday enjoyed a career season with the Athletics, hitting 20 long balls and carrying a .243/.324/.437 slash line. Managers should monitor his status during spring training. If he were to crack the Opening Day roster, Bleday would likely operate on the strong side of a platoon in the outfield and have sneaky upside in deeper five-outfielder leagues.

Feb 2

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Pirates Offered $15 Million to Eugenio Suarez

The Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly making a big push for free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez. According to Jason Mackey, the Pirates offered Suarez the same AAV ($15 million) as the Cincinnati Reds. Ultimately, Suarez decided to go to the Reds due to familiarity with the organization and a better ballpark fit. This is the second big-time slugger the Pirates have struck out on this offseason. They also made a significant offer to Kyle Schwarber, but he decided to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. It's unclear where the Pirates will go now that Suarez has signed elsewhere. The Pirates may pivot to Marcell Ozuna, Rhys Hoskins, or maybe a reunion with Andrew McCutchen.

Feb 1

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Eugenio Suarez Signs One-Year Deal With Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have signed free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez to a one-year deal on Sunday. They've agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal, which includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Suarez heads back to Cincinnati after playing for the Reds from 2015-2021. It's a bit shocking that it took this long for Suarez to sign, given his offensive numbers from last season. He slashed .228/.298/.526 with 49 home runs and 118 RBI in 159 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. The expectation is that Suarez will spend most of his time at designated hitter. Ke'Bryan Hayes is a much better defender, so he'll likely continue playing every day at the hot corner. The addition of Suarez is bad news for Sal Stewart, who will likely see a reduced role now. Fantasy managers know what to expect from Suarez at this point. He'll strike out nearly 200 times and post an ugly slash line, but will hit for a ton of power.

Feb 1

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