Cincinnati Reds News

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Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene Holds Elite Stash Value Ahead of Impending Return

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) threw a bullpen on Tuesday, which was the first time throwing off the mound since he underwent elbow surgery in mid-March to remove bone chips from his right elbow. This was a positive first step in his eventual return to the mound, albeit still multiple weeks away, but an elite arm worth stashing on your IL spot if you have it available. Greene possesses elite upside, so if your roster configuration can afford to grab him now, he provides league-winner upside down the stretch, especially for teams comfortably at the top of their standings that can afford to roster a high-upside player and one less bench spot. Entering the 2026 season, Greene was a consensus top-20 starting pitcher and is coming off back-to-back seasons with a sub-3 ERA and north of 27.7 percent strikeout rate. Greene, who is 26 years old, should be entering his prime, but has been repeatedly slowed by injuries throughout his career. He is one of the most electric arms in the game when healthy. Once he returns, he will immediately be slotted at the top of the Reds' rotation to go along with young stars Chase Burns and Nick Lodolo.

6 hours ago

Sal Stewart • 1B • Reds

Do Fantasy Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Sal Stewart?

Across 241 plate appearances so far in 2026, Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is hitting .256/.353/.473 with 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 34 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. However, Stewart's overall stat line is buoyed by a red-hot start to the season, as he posted a .943 OPS through the end of April. The 22-year-old has slowed down considerably in May, slashing .226/.327/.355 with three home runs, seven RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Even with the rough month baked in, Stewart owns excellent walk (12.9%) and barrel (15.5%) rates for the year overall. He's also remained an everyday fixture in the heart of the Cincinnati lineup, and as a young player, it's not surprising to see him struggle a bit as the league adjusts to him. With Stewart's value at a relative low point, fantasy managers may want to see if they can buy low on him in hopes of a return to form in the summer months.

Yesterday

Elly De La Cruz • SS • Reds

Elly De La Cruz Remains a High-End Power/Speed Asset

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz can do things on a baseball field that most big-league players can only dream of. And while the two-time All-Star might be slightly underwhelming through his first 55 games in 2026, we would advise against selling him with the start of June right around the corner. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter is currently slashing .279/.346/.509 with an .855 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 38 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across 246 plate appearances. Considering De La Cruz stole a league-high 67 bases in 2024, his nine thefts so far are a slight disappointment, but fantasy managers can't really complain otherwise. He's on pace to set a new career high in home runs, and his batting average is a career high right now. Under the hood, De La Cruz is in the 95th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 80th percentile in xwOBA, and the 87th percentile in expected slugging. He also has an average exit velocity of 94.1, which ranks ninth in the big leagues. If you end up trading the five-category contributor, you'll likely regret it by the end of 2026.

Yesterday

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Set for an MRI Exam on Friday

Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) will receive a second MRI exam to check on his healing on Friday, May 29, according to MLB.com. Pagan has been on the 15-day injured list since May 6 with a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain that he suffered at Wrigley Field while pitching against the division-rival Chicago Cubs. The 35-year-old has reportedly been throwing on his knees, but if his MRI shows considerable healing, he could be cleared to up the intensity of his throwing program. Barring a setback once Pagan resumes throwing off a mound, he could return to the back end of the Reds' bullpen. Pagan was initially given a four- to eight-week timetable for a return. The 10-year MLB veteran had six saves in 15 relief appearances before his hamstring injury, but he was also sporting an ugly 6.43 ERA (5.79 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP in 14 innings pitched. The Reds' bullpen has been shaky since Pagan was placed on the IL, making it very probable that he's reinserted as manager Terry Francona's primary closer when he's ready to return. He's currently 64% rostered in Yahoo leagues.

2 days ago

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene Throws Successful Bullpen on Tuesday

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) threw his first bullpen session on Tuesday, and it went well, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene, who is currently on the 60-day injured list, is on the mend from surgery he had in mid-March during spring training to remove bone chips from his right elbow. It's a positive step, but the hard-throwing right-hander will likely need at least a handful of bullpen sessions before the Reds clear him to face live hitters. Eventually, he'll also require a minor-league rehab assignment. In a best-case scenario, Greene is probably around a month away from returning to Cincy's starting rotation to make his 2026 season debut. Despite the lengthy absence, the 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2017 is a strong stash candidate in fantasy baseball leagues for his ace upside when he's healthy. He is currently rostered in only 62% of Yahoo leagues, and fantasy managers may want to consider picking him up sooner rather than later. Greene could be a difference-maker in the second half of 2026.

2 days ago

Matt McLain • 2B • Reds

Matt McLain Back on the Radar Despite Recent Cold Streak?

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain went 13-for-41 (.317) with three home runs, three doubles, 10 RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games from May 6 to May 18. In four games since then, though, he has gone hitless in 19 plate appearances with an RBI, no walks, and seven strikeouts. In 21 games in May, McLain is batting .178 (13-for-73) with three homers, three doubles, 11 RBI, seven runs, two steals, six walks, and 17 strikeouts across 80 plate appearances. On the season, the 26-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA is hitting under .200 with a .296 on-base percentage, .326 slugging percentage, and .622 OPS in 187 at-bats in his third season in the big leagues. McLain had an impressive 31 home runs, 100 RBI, and 32 steals in 236 games in his first two seasons in the majors (he missed 2024 due to injury), making him a nice sleeper candidate in fantasy going into this year. He has stayed healthy so far, but the results have been disappointing. If McLain continues to struggle, he could start to lose playing time as we get into the summer months.

3 days ago

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene a Prime Injury Stash Candidate Heading into June

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) has not yet pitched in 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery in mid-March. However, the 26-year-old is slated to throw a bullpen on Tuesday and could be nearing the start of a minor league rehab assignment. Greene was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, recording a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts across 107 2/3 innings (19 starts). He averages 99.4 miles per hour on his fastball and recorded an elite 25.2% K-BB rate. Greene is currently on the 60-day injured list and will likely require at least a few starts in the minors before he makes his return to the big-league mound. Still, fantasy managers should be looking to stash Greene off the waiver wire due to his league-winning upside once he returns to full health.

3 days ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Is Emilio Pagan Worth Stashing for Bullpen Depth?

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring while throwing a pitch against the Cubs on May 5. He landed on the injured list with an estimated timetable of 4-to-8 weeks, and since that was almost four weeks ago, it makes sense that he's almost ready to start working his way back. On Saturday, manager Terry Francona said that Pagan was meeting with a doctor and could begin playing catch soon. Before the injury, Pagan was 2-1 with six saves in 15 appearances. He had a 6.43 ERA and 5.79 FIP, but he was still clearly the team's preferred closer after he posted 32 saves last year. Without him, the Reds have gone with a committee that has struggled with multiple blown saves in his absence. Pagan should get a shot to reclaim the job as soon as he's ready to return, so if you need to get ahead of his rehab in your NL-only or deep league, now is the time to stash him. In standard-sized formats, he is an interesting option to put in an available IL spot if you know you'll need saves later in the season.

3 days ago

Edwin Arroyo • SS • Reds

Edwin Arroyo Not Slowing Down at Triple-A, Remains Elite Stash Target

Cincinnati Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo has remained one of the best hitters throughout all of the minor leagues and remains on the verge of making his MLB debut. Through his first 48 contests at the top club of the minor leagues, Arroyo has posted an incredible .344/.402/.595 with a .997 OPS. Arroyo has launched 10 home runs, tacked on nine doubles, and even swiped eight bases. This is even more impressive, as Arroyo spent his entire 2025 campaign with Double-A Chattanooga. With Double-A last summer, Arroyo was far less productive, holding a .284/.345/.371 line, and went deep just three times over a lengthy 120-game stint. Even though there is no clear spot for him on the MLB roster, the former 48th overall pick remains a must-stash prospect ahead of Week 9.

4 days ago

Noelvi Marte • RF • Reds

Noelvi Marte Emerging as Stash Target Following Dominant Stretch in Minor Leagues

Reds outfielder Noelvi Marte was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on April 13 and has responded with a dominant stretch at the plate in the minor leagues. The 24-year-old is hitting .374 with a 1.016 OPS and seven home runs in 33 games, continuing to re-establish himself as one of the Reds' most intriguing young bats. Marte struggled during his short stint with Cincinnati earlier this season, slashing .138/.194/.138 in 11 games before the demotion. However, his recent production has become increasingly difficult for the organization to overlook. With his power beginning to return and his confidence trending upward, Marte is emerging as a worthwhile stash candidate in deeper fantasy formats before an expected return to the major league roster.

4 days ago

Tony Santillan • RP • Reds

Tony Santillan Blows Third Save for Reds, Time to Cut Ties?

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan suffered another setback Saturday, blowing a save opportunity in an eventual extra-inning win vs. the Chicago Cubs. Santillan allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks, including a home run in the ninth inning. The 29-year-old has now blown three saves this season and continues to trend in the wrong direction after surrendering nine earned runs over his last seven appearances. Opposing hitters have consistently punished mistakes in the strike zone, and Santillan's 10.2 Barrel/PA rate is the highest mark of his career by a wide margin. The Reds may begin exploring alternative late-inning options if the struggles continue, making Santillan a risky fantasy investment for managers chasing saves.

4 days ago

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Reds Activate Eugenio Suarez From the Injured List on Friday

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they activated infielder Eugenio Suarez (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and placed infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes (back) on the 10-day IL (retroactive to May 21) in a corresponding move with a lumbar bulging disc. Suarez is back after missing a month with a left-oblique strain, but he'll have to wait to play on Saturday after the game against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals on Friday was postponed due to inclement weather. Now that he's back, Suarez should play regularly for the Reds between third base and designated hitter. He appeared in just two minor-league rehab games, going 1-for-7 at the plate with a double. The 34-year-old Venezuelan infielder/DH has struck out 30% of the time again in 2026 while hitting .231 (21-for-91) with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored across his 25 games played before his oblique injury. Suarez can be useful for his power from the right side of the plate in a hitter-friendly home environment, but he's not going to help your team's average or on-base percentage. He's currently rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues.

7 days ago

Edwin Arroyo • SS • Reds

Edwin Arroyo a Top Hitter to Stash Ahead of MLB Debut?

Cincinnati Reds shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo hit his 10th homer of the season at Triple-A on Thursday, and he's getting closer to making his MLB debut. Arroyo is having a fantastic season at the plate, posting a career-best .348/.408/.604 slash line with 10 homers, eight steals, a 8.3% walk rate, a 15.1% strikeout rate, and 159 wRC+. He's walking less than ever before in his minor league career, and he has also delivered more home runs and steals. This is truly a breakout year for the infield prospect, and it's coming at the right time as he pushes for a promotion to the majors. With 46 Triple-A games under his belt, it seems like Arroyo is ready for the next level. With a potential debut coming in June, Arroyo is absolutely on the stash radar in fantasy baseball, especially because he offers both speed and power.

7 days ago

JJ Bleday • LF • Reds

JJ Bleday a Priority Option for Power Upside?

Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday has emerged as a solid power-hitting option for fantasy managers on the waiver wire. Over his last seven games, Bleday is 9-for-29 with two home runs, eight RBI, one walk, and five strikeouts. In total this season, he owns a .299/.402/.636 slash line with six homers, 20 RBI, a 15.2% walk rate, a 15.2% strikeout rate, and 178 wRC+. He's having the best season of his career (by far), but fantasy managers haven't quite come around, as he's still rostered in just 40% of leagues. That means that managers in 60% of leagues have the opportunity to add Bleday and his impressive bat off the waiver wire. It's a worthwhile move, as Bleday has been consistently productive all year long. He has a decent schedule coming up, too, with three games against the Cardinals, whose pitchers have the 12th-worst ERA and the second-fewest strikeouts.

7 days ago

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene Holds Priority Stash Value Ahead of Impending Return

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on May 26, which will be the first time throwing off the mound since he underwent elbow surgery in mid-March to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Although the timeline to return in July is speculative based on his throwing progression, Greene has so much upside that, if your roster configuration can afford to grab him now, he could be a league-winner down the stretch, especially for teams comfortably at the top of their standings. Coming into the season, Greene was a consensus top-20 starting pitcher, and is coming off back-to-back seasons with a sub-3 ERA and north of 27.7 percent strikeout rate. Greene, who is 26 years old, should be entering his prime, but has been repeatedly slowed by injuries throughout his career. Once he returns, he will immediately be slotted at the top of the Reds' rotation to go along with young star Chase Burns and Nick Lodolo.

7 days ago

Noelvi Marte • RF • Reds

Noelvi Marte Back on the Stash Radar Amid Dominant Run at Triple-A?

Even though Cincinnati Reds third baseman/outfielder Noelvi Marte is still in the minors, he should be attracting some interest off the waiver wire due to a recent hot stretch at Triple-A Louisville. In his last 25 games with the Bats, Marte has gone 41-for-103 (.398) with six home runs, 22 RBI, and eight stolen bases. The 24-year-old Dominican is hitting .383/.436/.583 overall at Louisville with a 1.019 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, eight steals, and 24 runs scored in 30 games across 133 plate appearances. The Reds sent Marte down to the minors in the middle of April after he went 4-for-29 (.138) with two walks and 10 strikeouts in his first 11 games in Cincy. Based on how he's hitting currently on the farm, the Reds are probably considering calling Marte back up to the big-league club. In a career-high 90 games in Cincy last year, Marte hit .263 (89-for-339) with 14 homers, 51 RBI, and 10 steals. Fantasy managers in need of some power and speed in deeper leagues should consider adding Marte, who is only rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.

May 21

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Throwing From his Knees

Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring), who is around two weeks removed from a hamstring injury that landed him on the 15-day injured list, has been throwing from his knees to avoid placing stress on his hamstring, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The timeline for his recovery from the injury was four to eight weeks. Manager Terry Francona said that Pagan is "chomping at the bit" to get back, but he still has plenty of boxes to check before he's ready. Since the 35-year-old veteran went down with his hamstring injury, the Reds' bullpen has struggled, and they've approached the ninth inning with a closer-by-committee situation that includes Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, Tejay Antone, and others. Santillan, who picked up the save on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, is still the best short-term option for saves in fantasy while Pagan is sidelined. Francona is likely to go back to Pagan in the ninth when he returns, but although he had six saves in his first 15 outings, he also had a 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 14 innings. Right now, Pagan is still rostered in 65% of Yahoo leagues despite his injury and poor performance early on in 2026.

May 20

Edwin Arroyo • SS • Reds

Edwin Arroyo an Intriguing Stash Option as MLB Debut Looms

Cincinnati Reds infield prospect Edwin Arroyo owns the seventh-highest batting average of all Triple-A players with at least 30 games played, currently sitting at .345 after a sizzling start to the season. The Reds' third-ranked prospect is doing a bit of everything this season, slugging a whopping .592, drawing walks at an 8.8 percent rate (.409 OBP), and has stolen eight bases through 43 games thus far. Despite this being his first taste of Triple-A pitching, the switch-hitter is striking out at just a 14.6 percent clip, the best rate of his entire minor league career. A torn labrum caused him to miss the entire 2024 season, which has delayed his development, but he put together a strong Double-A campaign last year (.284/.345/.371) and has continued to progress, now on the doorstep to the majors. With a tantalizing blend of contact (8.7 percent swinging-strike rate), power, and speed, the 22-year-old is worth stashing in most category leagues as his MLB debut draws near.

May 20

Tony Santillan • RP • Reds

Tony Santillan Earns Second Save on Tuesday, Back on the Closer Radar?

Cincinnati Reds reliever Tony Santillan worked a clean and efficient inning on Tuesday to secure a 4-1 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. Santillan needed just 10 pitches to earn his second save of the season while striking out two batters. The save was his first since April 18 and came after he blew two save opportunities over the last month. The 29-year-old posted a 2.31 ERA in April but has struggled in May, allowing eight earned runs across 5 1/3 innings. Tuesday's outing marked a positive step forward for Santillan, and his career 3.24 ERA suggests he can still provide value in late-inning situations for Cincinnati.

May 20

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Eugenio Suarez Expected to Start a Rehab Assignment on Wednesday

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that third baseman Eugenio Suarez (oblique) is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Wednesday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Suarez has taken his time in his recovery from a strained left oblique, but if he can avoid any setbacks on his rehab assignment, he could be reinstated and rejoin the Reds starting lineup as early as this weekend. Once the 34-year-old right-handed slugger returns to the big-league roster, both Ke'Bryan Hayes and Nathaniel Lowe could lose out on playing time at third base and designated hitter, respectively. Suarez, a two-time All-Star and 13-year veteran, was hitting .231/.300/.363 with a .663 OPS, three home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored in 25 games played at the time of his injury. He isn't going to provide much in the way of batting average or on-base percentage, but Suarez still has value because of his power in mixed fantasy leagues, and he's currently rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues.

May 18

Cincinnati Reds News

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