5 MLB Stars Who Could Be on the Reds’ Radar This Offseason

The Cincinnati Reds have a long offseason ahead. The team faces several key roster decisions, and every offseason brings speculation about potential trades and signings. 

I broke down five MLB players with successful stints who could use a change of scenery or land on the trade block this offseason. I focused on affordable outfielders and utility players; if they aren’t, the Reds would need cash in return. 

Jarren Duran

Duran had a bad year in 2026, hitting just .207 with 20 home runs, accompanied by a slew of issues that make many believe Duran could be a locker room issue that needs a change of scenery. 

He is a very athletic, fast outfielder with 20+ stolen bases in four straight years, and he was an All-Star in 2024, hitting .285 with 21 home runs. 

The Reds could get Duran for a relatively cheap price tag. 

Ketel Marte

Marte has been linked to the Reds as a possible destination for multiple seasons, but he hasn't signaled he wanted out of Arizona until now. He is signed through 2030.

He missed a game in 2026 and was photographed at a local casino, seemingly checked out at the end of the season. 

Getting Marte would be expensive, but Arizona may be motivated to move him, given his price tag and the drama. 

Byron Buxton

Buxton doesn’t want to leave Minnesota, but with Walker Jenkins waiting in the wings at center field, the Twins may be motivated to make a big deal to get a boatload of prospects in return. 

Buxton is signed through 2028 and will make just over $15 million. Buxton would be a good target if the Reds want to capitalize on this window with Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz. 

Mike Trout

I know, I know, but roll with me for a little bit. Mike Trout is literally wasting away with the Angels, and Los Angeles would probably throw cash in to get the deal done. 

You’re also dealing with a Reds ownership that has a history of making decisions to put butts in seats (Eugenio Suarez). Mike Trout would put butts in seats, and he’s one of the best players of all time with a little left in the tank. 

Ronald Acuna Jr. 

This one is fresh, and the first ripples of a possible departure from the Braves are starting to show. Acuña deleted all his Braves-related Instagram posts the day after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. 

Acuña has a club option this offseason and is esrning $17 million a year. After an injury-plagued 2026, he struggled on the field, especially in the postseason. Acuña is another guy the Reds could capitalize on this window with, alongside De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.