Fans of the Cincinnati Reds entered the MLB offseason with two pressing questions.
First, is Hunter Greene a legitimate trade candidate, as many MLB analysts and outlets have speculated?
Given his dominant performance on the bump, when healthy, and his incredibly team-friendly contract, using him as a trade chip makes sense. At the same time, though, the fan base would be absolutely crushed by the departure of their team’s ace.
Second, will the Reds be making any splashy additions in free agency?
Given Nick Krall’s recent comments on plans for the 2026 payroll, the answer to that question seems to be no.
The Cincinnati Reds payroll will stay about the same in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Sgq7fgq1qq
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) November 4, 2025
So, in free agency, the Reds will be swimming in the same pool as they have been for years: middling and low-tier talents who can be brought in on smaller deals.
With that in mind, the dream signing of Ohio native Kyle Schwarber doesn’t seem likely. Still, expect the Reds to target more budget-friendly players who can help the team take a step forward next year.
This is a prediction, not a report.
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Cincinnati Reds Will Sign Trent Grisham in MLB Free Agency
In a recent article from TWSN’s MLB team, Trent Grisham, who was with the New York Yankees for the last two years, was listed as the ideal free agent signing for the Reds.
“Was Trent Grisham’s 2025 season, where he hit 34 HRs and drove in 74 runs, a mirage? It very well could be, but it’s hard to deny these impressive numbers. The Reds are in desperate need of some power and pop in the outfield. Grisham could do just that, all while fitting in with the Reds’ financial constraints.”
The logic and thinking here make sense, and don’t be surprised when the Reds do indeed sign Grisham when free agency opens.
The signing of Grisham would be wise for the Reds for a few reasons. For starters, with Austin Hays set to hit free agency, the Reds have a hole in their outfield.
Hays’ status in Cincinnati aside, this is an outfield that could generally use an upgrade, particularly at the plate.
TJ Friedl is loved in Cincinnati, but he has a limited offensive ceiling. Noelvi Marte is a promising young player who’s provided some sparks, but he’s far from being solidified as an everyday player. Will Benson is a similar player in the sense that the flashes are exciting, but the consistent offensive impact just isn’t there.
Altogether, adding an outfielder who can inject 20-plus home run upside would be a welcomed jolt to the Reds’ lineup.
While Grisham is among the league’s worst when it comes to hitting for average, the power he provides would add a new dynamic in Cincinnati’s group of outfielders.
Grisham posted a career-best 34 long balls last year. Replicating that sort of production in any capacity would help the Reds tremendously. Not to mention that he’s a two-time Gold Glove winner who would add a defensive boost as well.
Altogether, this would indeed be an ideal signing, especially when considering the Reds’ approach to the team payroll.
Trent Grisham Stats
Grisham made strides at the plate in 2025, posting numerous career highs in the process.
2025 Stats:
143 GP
.235 BA
.348 OBP
.464 SLG
34 HR
74 RBI
137 K