Reds Fans React as Nick Krall, Brad Meador Expected to Return in 2027

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Sunday evening that the Cincinnati Reds are expected to keep their front office personnel intact for the 2027 season. That means president of baseball operations Nick Krall, general manager Brad Meador, and manager Terry Francona are all expected to return.

This is despite the Reds' extremely disappointing 2026 season, as multiple front-office moves contributed to the team’s regression. Krall signed Eugenio Suarez as the headline free-agent deal, hoping to infuse power into the lineup, which was in lieu of signing Kyle Schwarber, as the Reds reportedly low-balled the Middletown, OH native.

Suarez has been a massive disappointment, hitting just 24 home runs, a .213 batting average and a .742 OPS. There’s also the decision to designate Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment despite him having options left. Encarnacion-Strand has a .792 OPS and eight home runs in 47 games with the Baltimore Orioles this season.

So, why is the Castellini family making this decision? While I don’t agree, part of me understands where they are coming from. I’m OK with bringing Terry Francona back. He’s an experienced manager who has had to make the best of the hand he was dealt. Injuries have hindered the Reds' season, and hiring a new manager isn’t going to instantly fix everything.

The majority of the fanbase is much more upset that both Krall and Meador are being retained for the 2027 season, with even some saying they would be done with the franchise if this most recent report were true. They haven’t made moves that signal they want to build a competitive baseball franchise, and many want a fresh start. This news doesn’t come at a good time, especially after they lost five of six and were outscored 59-19 over six games against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

However, the looming collective bargaining negotiations, which are leading many to expect there won’t be baseball in 2027, period, do not justify firing your front office and hiring a new one. Throwing your new general manager into that kind of situation doesn't set him up for success, because a lot of uncertainty will surround every move he makes or doesn’t make.

This also tells me that the Reds don’t have a suitable replacement in mind right now, which also means they might not think Joey Votto is the guy to run the Reds’ front office. He's expressed interest in the role multiple times, and many fans would be excited if that happened. But for now, they will have to wait at least another season.