The Cincinnati Reds have made some significant moves in the off-season, with a focus on both past and present players. One notable reunion is with Eugenio Suárez, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal, bringing back a familiar All-Star to the team. However, the team's reunion with Kyle Farmer, a former fan-favorite, is now off the table. Farmer signed a minor-league deal with his hometown team, the Atlanta Braves, ending his time with the Reds.
Farmer's journey with the Reds began in 2018 when he was part of a trade that brought Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Alex Wood to Cincinnati. He stood out as the only player to remain with the team beyond the 2019 season. Farmer's versatility was evident as he transitioned from a backup catcher (2019) to a super utility player (2020-21) and eventually became the team's starting shortstop (2022). His gritty style of play and above-average defense earned him a lot of support from Cincinnati fans.
The Reds traded Farmer to the Minnesota Twins after the 2022 season, a move that paved the way for Jose Barrero. However, Farmer's time in Minnesota was short-lived, as he joined the Colorado Rockies this past season. His performance took a turn, with a declining defense and a batting average of just .227 and an OPS of .645. Despite this, a strong showing during spring training could give him a chance to break camp with the Braves and make the Atlanta Opening Day roster.
The Reds are also dealing with an arbitration hearing for Tyler Stephenson, their starting catcher. Stephenson, in the final year of his arbitration window, filed for a $6.8 million salary, while the Reds offered $6.55 million. The outcome of this hearing will determine how much Stephenson will be paid in 2026. Additionally, Joey Votto, a beloved Reds legend, will be joining NBC's coverage of Sunday Night Baseball, providing insights to fans ahead of the games.
