Today, I am going to focus on one need in particular: a lefty bat. Cincinnati’s lineup is full of righties, a switch-hitting Elly De La Cruz, and a lefty TJ Friedl. There needs to be more balance and more impact, and landing a lefty bat can help both areas.
Free Agent Options
In my opinion, the Reds could add a lefty at essentially any position.
Outfield is a strong need, first base is not set in stone, second base worries me, and DH could be an answer to many problems. Considering the financial restraints, the Reds are looking in the used-car section with about 50,000 miles — a good car, but not one that will wow your neighbors.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan O’Hearn #32 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after a single during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on September 28, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin/Getty Images)
Atop my personal, realistic list is 32-year-old Ryan O’Hearn. Over the past three seasons, O’Hearn turned himself from a AAAA player who struck out too much to a well-rounded batter who draws walks, makes above-average contact, and still has enough power to be a threat in the box.
Due to his age and platoon limitations, O’Hearn’s contract will fall on the shorter side, 1-3 years and likely between $10-$15 million per season. He’s coming off his best season, slashing .281/.366/.437 with 17 home runs and a 127 wRC+. That’s production the Reds could absolutely use near the middle of the lineup to offset righty bats.
Cincinnati could slot O’Hearn in at first and get above-average defense while platooning him with Spencer Steer, who I think might have more of a utility role in 2026. You could also put O’Hearn in the outfield where he’s not a great defender, but the added versatility doesn’t hurt his case.