3 Value Free Agents Reds Should Target In 2026

Cincinnati is set to lose multiple players to free agency this offseason. These include Scott Barlow, Zack Littell, Wade Miley, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagan, Brent Suter, Miguel Andujar, and Austin Hays. 

This will leave a major gap in the pitching staff and also create a need for a regular left fielder. With that in mind, let’s look at some players who could help. 

Mike Yastrzemski

Starting our list is the veteran Mike Yastrzemski, who posted a .233 average with 17 homers and 46 RBI this season. That kind of bat would go a long way in the Reds’ lineup, and his proficiency for multi-base hits could help utilize the speed already on the roster. 

Yastrzemski’s also not a liability in the field, as the lowest fielding percentage he’s ever posted was .955 (2023), with multiple 1.000s at different outfield positions. The dual threat of his bat and glove would be an upgrade on the platoon Cincinnati ran this season. 

Coming off a contract worth $9,250,000, Yastrzemski could prove to be an excellent value for what he brings to the table. He may not be the same player as when he finished with the eighth most votes for MVP (2020), but his talent and veteran presence are invaluable on such a young roster. 

Tyler Mahle

A major part of Cincinnati’s rotation before their most recent dismantling, Tyler Mahle could have an even bigger impact if he returned in 2026. Serving as an anchoring role, rather than one of the top dogs, he would be a signing that would raise the team’s floor more than their ceiling. 

This season, Mahle posted a .218 ERA with 66 strikeouts through 86.2 innings pitched. These numbers fit nicely anywhere in the rotation, and this would allow Chase Burns to continue coming out of the bullpen.

This move, while not needed as much as a bullpen addition, would ensure a seemingly never-ending supply of quality arms to throw at opponents. This could actually help to mask the offensive issues the Reds faced this season, too, as good pitching (and defense) can carry a team a long way.

All of this is assuming Mahle would be in the starting rotation, though, but he could always end up providing his help from the bullpen. He is coming off a contract worth $11 million, after all, but that price tag might pale in comparison to the stability his talent would bring to an already-loaded rotation. 

Emilio Pagan

Another returning Red (albeit a more recent one) is Emilio Pagan. He posted a career-best .288 ERA this season in a primarily closing role, and took a major step up with the absence of a legitimate closer after the decline of Alexis Diaz.

While Pagan wouldn’t be the most exciting signing, he would be an extremely welcome one as he was a reliable way to close games for most of the season.

It is important to note that this season for Pagan was exceptional and is currently a relative outlier for his career. This means he could easily decide to cash in and find a team willing to pay more than Cincinnati, as he’s coming off an $8 million contract.

If Pagan does find himself in a Reds uniform next season, however, he would have a big role on this team if his play continues on its current trajectory. Whether that’s as the closer or in more of a setup role, an arm like his is essential in helping this team get back to the postseason.

End Of My Cincinnati Reds Rant

Despite none of these names being the biggest on the market, they’re all players who could come into Cincinnati and have a positive impact. Yastrzemski would be a boost to the batting order without being a defensive liability, and either Mahle or Pagan returning would bolster the (now depleted) pitching staff. 

If this team wants to return to the playoffs, they’re going to have to sign players who can help them improve, not just stay the course. Pagan would be the biggest concern in this regard, but he would still be an extremely valuable piece of the bullpen returning. 

It’s an offseason rather loaded with free agents, but any of these three players would be an excellent addition to next year’s team (especially for the money their contracts are worth).