The Cincinnati Reds’ 2025 campaign is finally in the books. Terry Francona’s first season in Cincinnati was a bit of a mixed bag. Fans went through a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout the season. While the Reds made a valiant effort and returned to the MLB Postseason for the first time in 12 years, they came up short of their ultimate goal — hoisting a World Series
championship.With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, the attention will now shift toward the offseason. Free agency starts shortly after the MLB Postseason comes to a close, but those upcoming departures won’t account for the only players who won’t be back in Cincinnati next season.
The Cincinnati Reds’ 2025 campaign is finally in the books. Terry Francona’s first season in Cincinnati was a bit of a mixed bag. Fans went through a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout the season. While the Reds made a valiant effort and returned to the MLB Postseason for the first time in 12 years, they came up short of their ultimate goal — hoisting a World Series championship.
With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, the attention will now shift toward the offseason. Free agency starts shortly after the MLB Postseason comes to a close, but those upcoming departures won’t account for the only players who won’t be back in Cincinnati next season.
6 Reds players who definitely won’t be back in 2026
Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder
Ever since Sal Stewart made his Major League debut in September, Santiago Espinal has become an afterthought. The slick-fielding utility man has an above-average glove, but his lack of offensive prowess will cost him a spot on the Reds roster later this fall.
Zack Littell, Reds pitcher
Zack Littell came over to the Reds from the Tampa Bay Rays at the MLB trade deadline, and was a serviceable member of the Cincinnati starting rotation during the second half of the season. But with the impending return of both Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar, it’s doubtful that the Reds will look to re-sign Littell this offseason.
Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher
The Reds’ $21-million man has been solid this season, but just like Littell, Nick Martinez will be a free agent this offseason, and it’s difficult to see Cincinnati bringing him back on a new deal. Martinez filled a vital role for the Reds this past season, but they have far too many internal candidates who could replace him without breaking the bank.
Sam Moll, Reds pitcher
Sam Moll flat-out disappeared this season. The lefty was a phenomenal addition in 2023, battled injuries in 2024, and couldn’t regain his command in 2025. Moll has one year of team control remaining, but it’s more likely that we’ll see Cincinnati non-tender the southpaw shortly after the postseason comes to a close.
Austin Hays, Reds outfielder
Austin Hays’ heroics did not go unnoticed this season, but there’s no way he’s worth the $12-million mutual option for 2026. The Reds will undoubtedly decline their end of it, and the hard-swinging outfielder will become a free agent. Though Cincy could re-sign him to a cheaper deal, left field will likely be an open competition between Spencer Steer, Will Benson, and Hector Rodriguez next spring
Wade Miley, Reds pitcher
Wade Miley’s presence in the clubhouse won’t be enough to bring him back in 2026. The left-handed veteran was little more than an emergency option after Hunter Greene went down earlier this season, and Miley is quite likely set to retire with the Reds’ season officially over.
Austin Hays, Reds outfielder
Austin Hays’ heroics did not go unnoticed this season, but there’s no way he’s worth the $12-million mutual option for 2026. The Reds will undoubtedly decline their end of it, and the hard-swinging outfielder will become a free agent. Though Cincy could re-sign him to a cheaper deal, left field will likely be an open competition between Spencer Steer, Will Benson, and Hector Rodriguez next spring.
Wade Miley, Reds pitcher
Wade Miley’s presence in the clubhouse won’t be enough to bring him back in 2026. The left-handed veteran was little more than an emergency option after Hunter Greene went down earlier this season, and Miley is quite likely set to retire with the Reds’ season officially over.
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