The Cincinnati Reds spent more money in 2025 than they did during the previous three seasons. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the Reds' Opening Day payroll just south of $112 million — the most money ownership invested into the team since 2022 ($114 million). In terms of the competitive balance payroll, however, Cincinnati's mark of $139 million is the most since Bob Castellini and the Reds ownership dropped $144 million in 2021.
But the Reds have a number of free agents coming off the books heading into the 2025-26 offseason. Nick Martinez, Zack Littell, Miguel Andujar, Austin Hays, and Wade Miley will all hit the free agent market shortly after the World Series comes to an end.