The Cincinnati Reds made several decisions on Wednesday that signaled a shift in how the organization plans to shape its roster moving into the next Major League Baseball season. The franchise officially declined contract options on three players who were part of the club during the 2025 campaign, meaning all three will now enter free agency. Rather than bringing them back under their existing contract terms, Cincinnati chose to let them explore the open market and assess other opportunities around the league.
The organization issued a formal announcement Wednesday afternoon outlining the trio of moves. First, the Reds declined the club option on veteran left-handed reliever Brent Suter, a dependable but aging pitcher known more for command and finesse than velocity.
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Second, they declined the club option on right-handed reliever Scott Barlow, who logged heavy usage throughout the year. Finally, the team opted not to exercise its mutual option with outfielder Austin Hays, a position player with a solid track record and offensive upside, particularly against left-handed pitching.
While none of the decisions are earth-shattering from a payroll standpoint, one player stands out among the group as mildly surprising — Austin Hays. Throughout the past season, Hays hit .266 and launched 15 home runs, showing that he remains a steady contributor at the plate. His performance against left-handed pitchers also continued to be one of his most valuable attributes, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable bat in matchups where teams seek right-handed offensive presence.
At 30 years old, Hays is not considered an aging veteran past his prime; he still has productive years ahead of him. The Reds could theoretically circle back and attempt to negotiate a new contract at a lower financial commitment, depending on how the market develops and how other pieces fall into place within their outfield group. Cincinnati has a growing surplus of young outfield talent, leading to intense competition for playing time, which likely contributed to the club’s willingness to decline the option.
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Brent Suter offers a different narrative. The 36-year-old left-hander has spent much of his career carving out a niche as a crafty, soft-tossing veteran who relies on movement, deception, and game intelligence rather than power. Throughout the 2025 season, Suter made 48 appearances and posted a 4.52 ERA, demonstrating that he can still contribute, even though his velocity ranks among the lowest in the league.
Teams that prioritize experience and leadership in the bullpen could be intrigued by adding him on a short-term, low-cost contract. Despite his age, Suter’s durability, clubhouse presence, and ability to handle multi-inning relief roles give him appeal as a depth signing for a team in need of pitching stability. Whether he continues playing will come down to personal desire and market interest, but his history suggests he could find another opportunity if he wants it.
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Scott Barlow, meanwhile, is expected to generate interest across the league as well. The 32-year-old right-hander was heavily relied upon by Cincinnati during the 2025 season, appearing in 75 games — a workload that shows both durability and resilience. Barlow finished the year with a 4.21 ERA, which, while not elite, still marks him as a capable bullpen arm.
His experience pitching in high-leverage situations throughout his career could make him valuable to a contending team searching for middle-inning relief. Organizations struggling to stabilize their bullpen or seeking veteran depth are often willing to pursue pitchers like Barlow, who can take the ball frequently and provide consistent innings.
Collectively, these decisions reflect a larger philosophy within the Reds’ front office as the offseason begins. Cincinnati does not appear to be embarking on a major overhaul or rebuild. Instead, the club is refining the edges of its roster while maintaining the core players it wants to build around. The Reds are positioned with a strong foundation at key positions, including several young stars who have either reached the majors or are approaching readiness. Because of this, they do not face urgent needs in several areas the way some teams do.
However, declining the options on two relievers suggests Cincinnati will likely be active in the offseason pitching market — particularly in the bullpen. Although Barlow and Suter provided experience and innings, the Reds are looking to upgrade or reshape the pitching staff rather than simply roll the same group into next year.
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With those players now gone, the team opens both financial flexibility and roster room to explore other arms available in free agency or potentially through trade. Bullpen depth is one of the most volatile yet vital components of modern roster construction, and the Reds appear prepared to add new arms that may offer more upside, power, or long-term potential.
The decision-making surrounding Austin Hays shows a different strategic layer. Cincinnati’s outfield depth chart includes several young, emerging talents who could command more playing time. Roster competition and potential positional logjams often lead teams to move on from established veterans, even if the players are capable contributors. Hays could technically return if negotiations result in a mutually beneficial deal, but his future in Cincinnati is uncertain now that he is a free agent.
For the Reds, these moves help refine the active roster while setting the organization up to pursue upgrades. Even though they are not dealing with an offseason full of major vacancies, they have identified pitching — especially relief pitching — as an area of focus. The front office will likely explore multiple avenues to bolster the pitching corps. Whether Cincinnati adds one or multiple new relievers, the opportunities created by these option decisions signal that change is coming to the bullpen.
In summary, Wednesday’s announcements make clear that the Reds are not standing still. They are making deliberate, targeted adjustments that reflect confidence in their core roster while seeking opportunities to strengthen their pitching and clear space for evolving positional battles. The departures of Suter, Barlow, and Hays represent the opening steps of what may become a productive and strategic offseason for the Cincinnati Reds.
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