The Reds’ winter plan hinges on reshaping a deep pitching slate and deciding which pending contracts to prioritize. Martinez can start or relieve, Miley seems headed out, Pagan’s 32-saves season makes him appealing but pricey, and Littell, Andujar, Hays, Suter, and Barlow all face decisions that will reshape Cincinnati’s 2026 bullpen and lineup. Budget, health, and fit will drive Cincinnati’s moves as they balance immediate needs with long-term flexibility.

Dodgers sweep Reds to advance, riding deep rotation and timely hitting into a division-series clash with Philadelphia. Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered 20+ outs apiece, while Mookie Betts, Kiké Hernandez and Teoscar Hernandez supplied the offense. Ohtani sat in Game 1 build, underscoring the rotation’s size. Bullpen nerves linger as the Dodgers head to Philadelphia, where they’ll face a rested Phillies team that won 96 games and split 4 of 6 with L.A. this year.

The Reds reached the postseason but were swept by the Dodgers, underscoring a lack of true power in the middle of the order. Ownership must expand payroll to target a legitimate slugger via free agency or trade, closing the gap with the Dodgers and Phillies.

With Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart emerging, Cincinnati can still contend, but only if Castellini commits to a big-bat upgrade. Otherwise the 30-year playoff drought remains and the window could close on 2026.