The Cincinnati Reds face a familiar offseason challenge after finishing last in the National League Central with a 75-87 record.
Their offense ranked among the league’s least productive, particularly in the outfield, where consistent power and on-base skills were scarce outside of standout shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
Improving that lineup without overextending the payroll remains the central task for the front office, which has limited flexibility after another year outside the postseason.
In his ranking of the top 40 free agents, Jim Bowden of The Athletic identified the Reds as one of four best fits for outfielder Randy Arozarena, alongside the Phillies, Mariners, and Braves, and projected the veteran to land a five-year, $124 million contract.
The connection is surprising given Cincinnati’s small-market constraints and recent reluctance to pursue deals of that scale, yet it underscores how Arozarena’s profile matches a clear roster need.
The 31-year-old just completed a career year with the Mariners, batting .281 with a .381 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage, collecting 34 doubles, 26 home runs, and 26 stolen bases while leading the American League with 113 runs scored.
His 5.7 bWAR ranked among the game’s best, and the combination of power and speed has produced at least 20 home runs and 20 steals in each of the past six seasons.
For the Reds, that production would immediately strengthen the middle of the order and provide De La Cruz with legitimate protection.
An outfield that ranked near the bottom of the majors in OPS last season would gain an everyday presence capable of driving in runs and creating extra bases on the paths.
Arozarena’s right-handed bat also addresses a relative shortage of that profile across the league, a point Bowden highlighted in assessing his market.
At roughly $25 million annually, the projected deal would represent one of the larger commitments in recent franchise history and would consume a significant portion of available resources, especially with other holes at catcher and in the rotation.
Age introduces further caution. Arozarena turns 32 before next season, and a five-year term would carry him through his mid-30s, when decline risks typically rise for players whose value depends heavily on athleticism and contact quality.
Larger-market clubs among Bowden’s preferred fits can absorb that risk more easily. Still, the on-field alignment is difficult to dismiss for a Reds team seeking an immediate offensive lift rather than another incremental addition.
Whether Cincinnati chooses to engage seriously will test how aggressively the club is willing to spend to climb out of the Central cellar.
