The Cincinnati Reds are pursuing a familiar face in MLB free agency.
The Cincinnati Reds entered the 2026 MLB offseason with ambitions of strengthening their roster, but their pursuit of impact talent has been complicated by off-field uncertainty.
After returning to the postseason in 2025, the franchise is eager to build on its progress and add proven contributors to a lineup that already features a promising young core.
The front office has identified areas of need, particularly at third base and in the outfield, where power and consistency could elevate the team’s chances of contending in the National League Central.
Yet, despite the urgency to act, the Reds find themselves constrained by financial questions tied to their local television rights. The collapse of Main Street Sports Group’s scheduled payments earlier this winter has left several MLB clubs, including Cincinnati, in limbo.
Without clarity on how future broadcast revenue will be structured, the Reds are hesitant to commit significant resources to free agents including third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Austin Hays.
“Third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Austin Hays are among the free agents drawing the Reds’ interest, those people said. But the Reds feel they are not in position to move forward until they gain more clarity on their long-term local TV outlook,” reported The Athletic on Thursday.
This situation underscores the growing importance of media deals in shaping roster construction. For the Reds, the timing is particularly frustrating. Suarez, a former franchise player who hit 49 home runs in 2025, represents both a nostalgic and practical fit at third base.
Hays, meanwhile, is coming off a strong season in Cincinnati, offering defensive versatility and a reliable bat. Both players would address glaring needs, but the uncertainty around broadcast revenue has stalled negotiations.
The Reds are not alone in facing this dilemma. The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly in a similar position, waiting for clarity before pursuing their preferred free agents. MLB has indicated it could step in to manage broadcasts if Main Street cannot secure a buyer, but until that process is finalized, teams like Cincinnati remain cautious.
For fans, the hope is that the Reds can resolve these issues quickly enough to avoid missing out on prime targets. With Suarez and Hays available, the opportunity to add proven talent is clear.
The longer the delay, however, the greater the risk that other clubs will swoop in with firm offers. Cincinnati’s ability to act decisively in free agency may ultimately hinge on how swiftly the broadcast situation is resolved, making this offseason as much about business as baseball.