JUST IN: Cincinnati Reds Won’t Resign Two-Time-All Star To New Deal As He Is Leaving

JUST IN: Cincinnati Reds Won’t Resign Two-Time-All Star To New Deal As He Is Leaving

The 2025 Cincinnati Reds season isn’t over yet, but several players currently on the 40-man roster won’t be back next season. Every year, the roster turns over, and whether it’s free agency, trade, non-tenders, or even retirement, the group of players who descended upon Goodyear, Arizona back in the spring will look quite different when the team returns in February 2026.

Though there’s still games left to play, some within the organization (and fanbase) have undoubtedly set their sights on 2026. There’s obviously several players from the current team who won’t be back next season — a number of whom Reds fans can’t wait to get rid of.

4 players who are entering their final days with the Reds
Wade Miley, Reds pitcher
By now, most fans have probably forgotten that Wade Miley is even part of the 40-man roster. After Hunter Greene was sidelined last spring, the Reds reunited with Miley and he gave the team a veteran leader in the rotation. But the crafty lefty was relatively ineffective and hit the IL after just a few big-league appearances. At 38 years old, there’s no way he returns in 2026 unless it’s as a member of Francona’s coaching staff.

Sam Benschoter, Reds pitcher
Sam Benschoter is, unfortunately, likely to go the way of Moonlight Graham. The Reds’ right-hander was called up twice this season, but has yet to make a Major League appearance. At last check, Benschoter was on the seven-day IL with the Louisville Bats, so that elusive first taste of the big leagues may never come.

Will Banfield, Reds catcher
Will Banfield was an emergency option for the Reds earlier this season after Tyler Stephenson landed on the IL with a fractured thumb. Francona famously told reporters after an extra-innings loss — one he which he refused to pinch-run for Jose Trevino — that he didn’t think it was fair to send Banfield into a high-leverage situation with Graham Ashcraft on the mound. The Reds lost the games in extras after Trevino was thrown out at the plate.

Ian Gibaut, Reds pitcher
Most Reds fans will remember Ian Gibaut for his blown save on Opening Day — though Francona should take most of the heat for that decision. The right-hander appeared in 25 games for the Reds this season, but a 4.62 ERA, 1.342 WHIP, and another injury-riddled season, it’s unlikely that Gibaut will be back in 2026.

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