Reds Trim Roster, Three Veterans Enter Free Agency
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Cincinnati’s front office has made a series of moves, declining options on key players and reshaping its roster for the upcoming season.
The Cincinnati Reds announced Thursday they have declined options on veteran players Scott Barlow, Brent Suter, and Austin Hays, making all three free agents. The decisions signal a shift in strategy as the team navigates the offseason and prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Option Decisions and Financial Implications
The Reds declined club options for both Barlow and Suter, while Hays’ option was a mutual decision not exercised by either party. Barlow and Hays each received a $1 million buyout, while Suter’s buyout totaled $250,000. Had the options been exercised, Hays would have earned $12 million in 2026, Barlow $6.5 million, and Suter $3 million.these moves free up meaningful financial adaptability for the organization. The team’s 40-man roster now stands at 32 players.
Assessing the Departing Players
Austin hays, 30, proved to be one of Cincinnati’s most potent offensive threats when healthy in 2025, posting a.266 batting average,.315 on-base percentage, and .453 slugging percentage with 15 home runs. However, recurring injuries limited him to just 103 games. Hays previously played for the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies, also battling injury concerns in 2024. The Reds initially signed Hays to a one-year,$5 million contract with a mutual option last offseason.
Brent Suter, 36, completed his second season with his hometown team, appearing in 48 games as a left-handed reliever.He finished with a 1-2 record and a 4.51 ERA,also making three starts as an opener.
Scott Barlow,32,joined the Reds during spring training on a one-year,$2.5 million deal with an option. He became a reliable presence in the bullpen, logging 75 games with a 6-3 record, 4.21 ERA, and one save.
Expanding Free Agent Pool and Roster Considerations
Hays,Barlow,and suter join a growing list of free agents,including right-hander Nick Martinez,closer Emilio Pagán,right-hander Zack Littell,outfielder Miguel Andujar,and left-hander Wade Miley. Additionally, infielders Santiago Espinal and reliever Ian gibaut were assigned to Triple-A Louisville but declined the assignments, also becoming free agents.
the Reds now face the task of filling out their 40-man roster to protect prospects ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, with a deadline of November 18. Potential additions include shortstop Edwin arroyo, infielder leo balcazar, outfielder Héctor Rodriguez, and right-hander Jose Franco.
Arbitration Decisions Loom
Eleven players are eligible for arbitration: right-hander Brady Singer, catcher Tyler Stephenson, designated hitter Gavin Lux, lefty Nick Lodolo, utility player Spencer Steer, center fielder TJ Friedl, second baseman Matt McLain, right-hander Tony Santillan, right-hander Graham Ashcraft, outfielder Will Benson, and left-hander Sam Moll.One analyst noted that Sam Moll could be a candidate to be non-tendered, with the deadline to tender contracts set for November 21.
