JUST IN: 3 Reds Players Who’ll Be Back In 2026 Despite Fans Losing Patience
Once the Cincinnati Reds’ 2025 campaign came to screeching halt at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the fans’ attention immediately shifted to the upcoming offseason. While most moves won’t be made until after the World Series, there’s already plenty of speculation emerging throughout Reds Country about who stays and goes once the offseason officially arrives.
The Reds are set to lose a number of player to the open market in a few weeks — chief among them being pitchers Nick Martinez and Zack Littell. There’s a chance that Cincinnati could look to reunite with at least one of those right-handers, but the team’s financial outlook likely closes the book on bringing back both players for the 2026 season.
The Reds also have some other decisions to make in the coming weeks. Several players have options in their contracts that need to be exercised, while others may be non-tendered next month. The Reds will undoubtedly bring back several players, but a handful should probably be shown the door. Which three Reds are likely to return in 2026, but probably shouldn’t be on next year’s roster?
3 Reds players who’ll be back in 2026 but probably shouldn’t
Brent Suter, Reds pitcher
Brent Suter is reliable arm that Terry Francona leaned on early and often in 2025. His contract contains a $3 million club-option for 2026 with a $250,000 buyout. The Reds faced a similar decision with Suter last offseason, but rather than exercising his club-option, were able to renegotiate a new deal altogether.
That could be Nick Krall’s strategy this offseason as well. It’s tough to see the Reds dishing out $3 million for a middle reliever who — though versatile — is mostly ineffective outside of low-leverage situations. Given the Reds lack of left-handed relievers, it’s likely that Cincinnati looks to bring back Suter in 2026, but they should probably just let him go. His hometown ties will undoubtedly play a role in the Reds’ decision making as well.
Scott Barlow, Reds pitcher
Much like Suter, Francona relied on Scott Barlow a lot during the 2025 season. The right-hander has a $6.5 million option this winter with a $1 million buyout, but that seems like a steep price tag given how Barlow finished out the 2025 campaign.
But, as outlined above with Suter, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Cincinnati’s front office attempt to work out a more reasonable contract for the 2026 season. Barlow posted a 3.30 ERA through the end of August and looked like a shoo-in to have his option picked up. But during the final month of the season, his production dropped off. Barlow, just like Suter, is mid-level reliever who could be replaced, but probably won’t be.
Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder
Santiago Espinal represents a difficult decision for the Reds’ front office this offseason. His high contact rate, defensive acumen, and ability to play multiple positions makes him the perfect fit for Francona. But his offensive production makes him virtually unplayable.
If Matt McLain rebounded like most fans assumed he would, the notion of bring back Espinal in 2026 wouldn’t even be on the table. But McLain’s struggles has to have Krall and Co. second-guessing whether or not to bring back Espinal next season. Though he feels like a non-tender candidate, there’s certainly a world where Francona demands to have Espinal back on the roster in 2026.
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