Cincinnati Reds: Major Off-Season Questions and What Comes Next? | Red Hot Reds

Subscribe to us on YouTube! Find Roger's work on Reds on SI: https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/onsi/auth... Find Ricky's work on Reds on SI: https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/onsi/auth... Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u3pXxi... Check us out on iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-re... Get your FrostBuddy: Frostbuddy.com/redhotreds Cincinnati Reds Enter Final Week of Disappointing 2026 Season The Cincinnati Reds are heading into the final week of the 2026 regular season after a frustrating year that has left the team with another losing record. On the latest episode of the Red Hot Reds Podcast, hosts Ricky Logan and Roger Strauss break down the Reds’ disappointing season, key player performances, roster decisions, and the major questions facing Cincinnati this offseason. The Reds officially clinched a losing season, continuing a troubling stretch of results for the franchise. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus has shifted toward evaluating young players and determining which pieces can become part of the 2027 roster. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart Lead the Reds' Young Core Despite the team's struggles, Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns have provided important reasons for optimism. De La Cruz is closing in on a potential 30-home-run, 30-stolen-base season, while Stewart has established himself as one of Cincinnati's most promising young hitters and a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. The hosts discuss De La Cruz's development, his improving WAR numbers, and the financial implications of his upcoming arbitration years. They also examine whether Cincinnati can build a competitive roster around its young stars. Reds Face Major Offseason Decisions The podcast explores several major offseason questions, including the futures of Brady Singer, Eugenio Suárez, Keynan Hayes, TJ Friedl, Nick Lodolo, Carson Spiers, and Chase Petty. Among the biggest debates is whether the Reds should retain Singer on a potentially expensive contract or move toward younger pitching options such as José Acuña and Carson Spiers. The hosts also discuss Cincinnati's potential rotation for 2027 and the need for additional bullpen help. Another major issue is Cincinnati's collection of expensive contracts and how those commitments could limit the team's ability to build around De La Cruz and Stewart. TJ Friedl Designated for Assignment One of the biggest developments discussed is TJ Friedl being designated for assignment. The hosts look back at Friedl's career with Cincinnati, including his breakout 2023 season when he hit .279 with an .819 OPS, 18 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and received MVP votes. While his 2026 season was a dramatic decline offensively and defensively, the hosts recognize Friedl's journey from an undrafted college player to an important contributor for the Reds. Oswaldo Cabrera Joins Cincinnati The Reds also acquired Oswaldo Cabrera from the New York Yankees via waivers. Cabrera brings significant defensive versatility, with the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions. The hosts discuss whether a change of scenery could help Cabrera regain the form he showed in the minor leagues. His versatility could make him an interesting depth option for Cincinnati heading into 2027. Reds' Defense and Front Office Under Scrutiny Another major topic is the Reds' defensive performance. The hosts discuss Cincinnati's poor defensive metrics compared with teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers and question whether the organization can become competitive without significant improvements in defense. The podcast also examines the Reds' front-office decision-making, including past free-agent signings, trades, bullpen construction, and the challenge of building a roster capable of competing in the NL Central. What Comes Next for the Cincinnati Reds? With only one week remaining in the regular season, Cincinnati's attention is already turning toward the offseason. The hosts discuss the upcoming MLB offseason, arbitration, the collective bargaining agreement, potential roster moves, pitching decisions, and the Reds' minor-league system. The episode also previews upcoming Red Hot Reds Podcast coverage, including player evaluations, Rookie of the Year reaction, offseason signings, breaking news, and developments surrounding the CBA. Welcome to the Red Hot Reds Podcast. We cover the Cincinnati #Reds from MLB to the Minor Leagues to even Dominican Leagues! We are the only podcast that provides in-depth analysis of the #Reds Minor League System with our Monday Show: Minor League Mondays! Go Reds! #MLB #MiLB Spark podcast Network: https://www.sparkpodcasts.com