DECISION: Cincinnati Reds PRIORITIZE Payroll Flexibility Over Retaining Talent | Nick Krall Not Done

Cincinnati Reds ramp up their offseason strategy by declining options on Austin Hays, Scott Barlow, and Brent Suter, giving GM Nick Krall fresh payroll flexibility—will this finally land the team a marquee outfield bat? Hot stove season heats up as Steve and Jeff debate the wisdom of recent roster moves, the future of Brent Suter in Cincinnati, and whether Connor Phillips has what it takes to anchor the bullpen in 2026. Key topics include the Reds’ evolving arbitration picture, possible trades involving Brady Singer and Gavin Lux, and the impact of newcomers like Keegan Thompson. The hosts also break down how Cincinnati’s unchanged TV deal sets the stage for a major league broadcast revolution and potential changes in MLB economics. Can the Reds use their newfound financial wiggle room to land a power-hitting outfielder and shake up the NL Central race? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-reds/ https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnReds?sub_confirmation=1 Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Inside the Reds! https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/ Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/STMcRDyMCt For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. 00:00 Reds Offseason Moves and Payroll 03:39 Barlow's Return Uncertain 07:12 Bullpen Depth and Roster Changes 12:28 MLB Arbitration and Payroll Breakdown 14:47 Evaluating Lux's Trade Value 18:08 "Potential Savings for Big Trade" 27:37 MLB's Revenue Sharing Challenges 30:07 Reds' Offseason Rumors Analysis Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Reds #CincinnatiReds #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.