The Reds need to make some moves in order to compete in the NL Central.
Will the Cincinnati Reds feel the impact of the Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman signing? Given the fact that both teams play in the National League Central, the answer may seem obvious. While the NL Central is still a winnable division, the Cubs' Bregman signing does indeed add urgency to the Reds' offseason.
Cincinnati is hoping to take a step forward in 2026. The Reds have emerged as a fringe postseason contender in recent seasons. In 2025, the Reds made a Wild Card run by winning 83 games. The natural next step will be to add a few more wins and compete for a division title.
Although the Milwaukee Brewers won 97 games in 2025, rumors of a potential Freddy Peralta trade have continued to swirl throughout the offseason. If Peralta is moved, Milwaukee will likely win less games during the '26 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Cubs feature a talented ball club. The Bregman signing will help replace the likely loss of Kyle Tucker in free agency. Still, Chicago isn't a clear favorite in the division. With the St. Louis Cardinals rebuilding and the Pittsburgh Pirates likely a couple of years away from contending, the Reds are the third best team in the division at the moment.
Before Chicago signed Bregman, however, the Reds appeared to be closer to the Cubs. Now, Chicago is on track to be the second best team in the division at the very least.
Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are among a number of talented starters in the Reds' pitching rotation. Offense is the question mark for the team, however. If they are going to catch the Brewers and Cubs, adding a couple of bats will prove to be a necessity.
The Reds were linked to Kyle Schwarber before he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies earlier in the offseason. Phillies outfielder/designated hitter Nick Castellanos is a trade candidate, and he's been mentioned as a possible target for the Reds.
Tucker, Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette are all still available in free agency. The Reds have not been seriously linked to any of them, though. If Cincinnati is going to add a star offensive player, it will likely have to come through a trade.
Perhaps the Cubs' Alex Bregman signing will give Cincinnati extra motivation to further upgrade the roster. The Reds are close to becoming a legitimate contender, but they are still a few moves away as of this story's writing.