The Cincinnati Reds are doing something that many fans thought was impossible: the Castellini family is pushing the financial envelope. They recently signed Eugenio Suarez to a $15 million deal, lifting the 2026 payroll beyond last season’s mark.
The fact that Cincinnati is not expected to trim the payroll in the wake of the Suarez signing should be music to the ears of Reds fans.
Reds say ownership signed off on extending payroll to land Suarez.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) February 3, 2026
Beyond what the Suarez contract means for the Reds’ financial outlook, his arrival brings much-needed power to Cincinnati’s lineup.
Even in the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, the Reds ranked just 21st in total home runs last season, something that needs to change if they want to go beyond the Wild Card round in next year’s postseason.
Suarez, who belted 49 long balls last season, should help in the power department.
Still, heading into the 2026 MLB season, the Reds’ offense isn’t exactly threatening.
Could they make one final addition to beef up the lineup before the season gets rolling?
More MLB Content From TWSN:
Can Anything Save The 2027 MLB Season?
One Move Every American League West Team Must Make
The Yankees Are Wasting The Career Of Aaron Judge
Byron Buxton Traded to the Cincinnati Reds: MLB Offseason Proposal
Over the last year, the Minnesota Twins have begun the process of completely overhauling their roster. They had a fire sale at last year’s trade deadline, and while they’ve remained relatively stagnant in the offseason, trade speculation has circled the franchise for months.
One of the rumored trade candidates is do-it-all outfielder Byron Buxton. After a relatively healthy and impactful year in 2025, he would net Minnesota a nice return on the trading block, should the front office choose to move him.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report believes a trade with the Reds is in the cards, proposing a deal that would send Rhett Lowder (RHP) and Chase Petty (RHP) to Minnesota in exchange for Buxton.
“Giving up five years of Lowder and six years of Petty for an oft-injured outfielder would be a major risk for a Reds team that can’t well afford to just buy its way out of decisions gone wrong. But Buxton would have been Cincinnati’s most valuable position player by a country mile last season and could be the missing link,” wrote Miller.
Should the Reds Trade For Byron Buxton?
As Miller notes, there is real risk for Cincinnati in this trade. Buxton is now 32 years old and has a lengthy injury history, while Lowder is MLB Pipeline’s No. 86 prospect, and Petty remains one of the top arms in Cincinnati’s farm system.
Still, this is a deal that the Reds should absolutely make if the Twins are interested.
The Reds have no shortage of young pitchers. Between Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns, Cincinnati’s rotation will be in a good spot for years to come, so losing Petty and Lowder wouldn’t exactly be a devastating blow.
What the Reds desperately need is offensive firepower, and they need it to come as soon as possible. Buxton can provide just that.
Last year, in 126 games, Buxton smashed 35 home runs, drove in 83 runs, and swiped 24 bags. That sort of production would make a real difference for the Reds.
Again, this move is far from a sure thing, but if the Reds are going to be a legitimate threat on the NL side of the playoff bracket, they’re going to need to get aggressive and take on some risk.
Byron Buxton Stats
Buxton remained fairly healthy in 2025, putting together an All-Star campaign in the process.
2025 Stats:
126 GP
4.9 WAR
488 AB
.264 BA
.327 OBP
.551 SLG
35 HR
83 RBI
24 SB
136 OPS+
Related
Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.
Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.
Sign up now and never miss a moment.