Fansided · 6 days ago
Predicting possible Reds’ budget free agent moves after 2026 disaster sent a loud message
The Cincinnati Reds' 2026 season was a disappointment, and some of the biggest reasons for the team's struggles can be traced back to last offseason. Small-market organizations like the Reds can ill afford to make costly mistakes, both in free agency and on the trade front.
The Reds whiffed on a homecoming for Ohio-native Kyle Schwarber, and instead reunited with Eugenio Suárez. The former All-Star didn't live up to the hype after taking home a $15 million pay day. Cincinnati also overpaid for the likes of Caleb Ferguson ($4.5 million) and Pierce Johnson ($6.5 million). Those two relievers combined to give the Reds just 0.7 bWAR in 2026.