The stove isn't just hot in Cincinnati right now. It's basically a five-alarm fire. If you thought the three-team swap sending Gavin Lux to Tampa Bay was the "big" move of the winter, honestly, you're probably mistaken. Nick Krall just cleared over $3 million in salary and a massive logjam on the dirt. He's not doing that to sit on his hands while the rest of the NL Central reloads.
You've probably heard the chatter by now. The Reds have this weird, beautiful problem: too many infielders and not enough veteran arms that can actually close out a game without making the entire city of Cincinnati hold its breath.
The Brady Singer Situation Everyone is Avoiding
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Brady Singer is slated to make $12.75 million this year. For a team like the Reds, that’s not just a line item; it’s a massive chunk of the pie. He went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA last year. Solid? Yeah. Replaceable? Also yeah.
The rumor mill is spinning because Singer is in his final year of arbitration. If Krall wants to land a big-time power bat—and let’s be real, this lineup desperately needs more than 22 homers from its leader—Singer is the most likely trade chip. Teams like the Red Sox or even the Dodgers are always sniffing around for durable, mid-rotation starters.
Moving Singer wouldn't just be about the $12 million. It would be about clearing a path for Rhett Lowder or Chase Petty to actually see the mound in Great American Ball Park.
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Reds baseball trade rumors and the Matt McLain puzzle
Then there’s Matt McLain. Last year was rough. You saw the .220 average. You saw him get buried at the bottom of the order. But here’s the thing: everyone knows the talent is there. He’s only a year removed from that shoulder surgery, and a lot of scouts think his value is actually higher than his 2025 stats suggest.
The Reds have Edwin Arroyo and Leo Balcazar waiting in the wings. They just added both to the 40-man roster. If a team comes calling with an elite outfielder—someone like Jarren Duran or even a wild-card name like JJ Bleday—would Krall pull the trigger on McLain?
Kinda feels like he might.
It’s a classic "sell low" risk, but the middle infield is so crowded it’s starting to feel like a subway car at rush hour. You've got Elly De La Cruz locked at short, Ke’Bryan Hayes at third, and Sal Stewart needing reps at first or DH.
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Why Elly De La Cruz isn't going anywhere (yet)
Stop worrying about the extension talk for a second. Yes, Elly reportedly turned down a franchise-record offer. Yes, Scott Boras is his agent. But the Reds have control through 2029. He’s not being traded this winter. He’s the face of the franchise, the guy who sells the jerseys, and the only player on the roster who can turn a routine grounder into a triple.
The real trade rumors involve the guys around him.
Real Targets: What the Reds Actually Need
The bullpen is better after adding Brock Burke and Pierce Johnson, but it’s not "World Series ready" yet. Krall said he wanted a deeper 'pen, and he's getting it. But the lineup is the real concern.
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- Power Outfielders: The Reds missed out on some of the bigger free agents, and they’ve been linked to trade targets who can play the corners.
- A "Real" DH: Sal Stewart is great, but relying on a rookie to carry the DH spot is a gamble.
- Late-inning Lefties: Even with Burke, don't be surprised if they look for one more southpaw.
Actionable Insights for Reds Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the chaos, here is what you should actually be watching over the next few weeks:
- Watch the Arbitration Hearings: If Tyler Stephenson or Graham Ashcraft actually go to a hearing, it usually signals a rift. That makes them prime candidates for a late-spring trade.
- Monitor the 40-Man Roster Spot: The Reds have one open spot right now. That’s usually a placeholder for a trade acquisition rather than a minor-league signing.
- The "Singer" Deadline: If Brady Singer is still on the roster by the time pitchers and catchers report, he’s likely staying. If he’s going to be moved, it’ll happen before the first week of February to give the receiving team time to slot him into their rotation.
Basically, the Lux trade was the appetizer. The main course is coming, and it’s probably going to involve a pitcher you like being swapped for a hitter you’ve never seen in a Reds uniform. That's just the business of baseball in 2026.
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and the transaction logs. Nick Krall is clearly clearing space, and in this league, space is usually filled by something big.