The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2026 offseason in a position the franchise hasn’t found itself in for a long time: a young core already in place, a competitive window opening, and legitimate financial flexibility to make meaningful additions. After multiple seasons of building around prospects and value signings, this upcoming winter presents an opportunity for the Reds to take a real step forward in the National League.
Internal development remains important, but there’s no denying what this roster still lacks. Cincinnati needs one more middle-of-the-order bat to lengthen the lineup, another dependable outfielder, and at least one starter who can anchor the rotation behind Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Fortunately for the Reds, the 2025-26 free agent class lines up almost perfectly with their needs.
Here’s a look at three realistic, (yes, we know, it will take money, – check out our Reds Salary tracker here to see where they’re at,) high-impact free agents who could transform Cincinnati’s 2026 outlook.
1. Kyle Schwarber – DH/LF
Few players in baseball fit Great American Ball Park as naturally as Kyle Schwarber. They quite literally designed the stadium around big hitting lefties like Adam Dunn & Ken Griffey Jr. The Middletown, Ohio native continues to be one of MLB’s premier power threats, and his production in 2025 only strengthened that reputation. Schwarber has averaged elite home run totals over the last several seasons, and even with the swing-and-miss that comes with his approach, his power and on-base ability remain game-changing.
What makes Schwarber particularly appealing for Cincinnati is the combination of bat profile and roster fit. The Reds have plenty of young, athletic pieces who can rotate around the field, but they still lack a consistent left-handed force in the heart of the lineup. Schwarber gives them exactly that. He instantly deepens a group built around Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Matt McLain, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Sal Stewart.
While he’s no longer a full-time outfielder, the Reds wouldn’t need him to be. Schwarber can serve as the primary designated hitter while giving you occasional innings in left field, especially in interleague matchups or when the club wants to shake up its look. His presence alone would add a level of thump the Reds haven’t seen since the prime Joey Votto era.
Signing Schwarber would require a significant financial commitment, likely a multi-year deal in the $100M range. But if the Reds want a proven postseason-tested slugger who changes the feel of the lineup from Opening Day, there’s not a cleaner fit on the market.
2. Cody Bellinger – CF/LF/1B
If the Reds prefer a more well-rounded option, Cody Bellinger may be the most versatile free-agent bat available. His 2025 season reestablished him as a reliable middle-order contributor, and his ability to play all three outfield spots — plus first base — gives Cincinnati a rare level of lineup flexibility, something that has been on record numerous times from Krall as covenants.
Bellinger’s defensive value is arguably as important as his offensive production. The Reds have spent years trying to stabilize their outfield defensively, and Bellinger provides a clear solution. He could open 2026 as the everyday center fielder, or slide into left if the Reds want to keep someone like TJ Friedl in Center.
Offensively, Bellinger offers a blend of contact, power, and situational hitting the Reds have lacked in recent seasons. He doesn’t rely solely on home runs, but he has enough pop to do damage in Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly environment, that also has a likeliness to the field built for lefties. He also brings postseason experience and the ability to hit anywhere from second to sixth in a competitive lineup.
His contract will be expensive — likely five to six years with a sizeable annual value, not to mention, he’s also a Boras client, but Bellinger checks nearly every box the Reds have been trying to address: left-handed impact, defensive stability, athleticism, positional depth, and plenty of postseason experience. Not to mention, in his prime…
If Cincinnati plans to make just one major offensive addition this winter, Bellinger’s versatility may make him the most balanced option available, and it wouldn’t be the first time the Reds land a Boras client on a ‘prove it deal’ which is what Bellinger has continued to sign, and with 2027’s uncertainty looming, may continue to sign.
3. Pete Alonso – 1B
If Cincinnati is looking for a true lineup-changing force, Pete Alonso belongs at the top of the board. Alonso remains one of the most consistent power hitters of his generation — a player who brings home-run impact, durability, and a competitive edge that fits seamlessly into a rising young clubhouse.
Alonso’s calling card is simple: elite power, year after year. He’s a near-lock for 35–45 home runs and 100+ RBIs when healthy, and his approach gives the Reds a right-handed counterpart to their emerging core. Great American Ball Park is one of the best environments in MLB for players with Alonso’s profile — high exit velocity, pull power, and the ability to punish mistake pitches. Something we’ve been missing for awhile.
There are several reasons Alonso makes sense for Cincinnati:
- A true cleanup hitter: He lengthens the lineup and protects Elly, McLain, and Marte.
- Durability: Alonso rarely misses time, something the Reds have badly needed.
- Clubhouse fit: He’s known for a competitive edge and leadership presence.
- Fan and marketing boost: Alonso is a recognizable star who fills seats immediately, and gives fans a fun thing to root on in the mid-summer classic which he participates in the HR Derby quite often.
Alonso would require a significant financial commitment, likely a long-term deal well into the nine-figure range. But he brings reliability and instant credibility. Pairing him with Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart gives the Reds flexibility at DH/1B and adds a new level of run production the team has lacked since the peak Votto years. Sure, Pete isn’t able to play anywhere besides first, but Nick Krall has already mentioned Spencer Steer will play a lot more in left field now that his shoulder is back to being healthy.
If the Reds want a superstar who immediately changes their offensive identity, Alonso is the player who does that on day one. And there could be real interest from him, too.
