Cincinnati Reds Predicted to Address Major Weakness in Free Agency

The Cincinnati Reds need to address their lack of power offensively this offseason.

Will Laws and Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated predicted where the top 50 available free agents would sign this offseason.

The duo predicted the Reds to sign former Ryan O'Hearn. O'Hearn had a ridiculous first half with Baltimore last season, slashing .283/.374/.463 with 29 extra-base hits, includin 13 home runs.

He was traded to the San Diego at the trade deadline and cooled down, slashing .276/.350/.387. He had just four home runs with the Padres.

"There’s a good chance 2025 will be the only year he ever makes it to the All-Star Game, and a true World Series contender will likely want more from his position," they wrote. "But the lefty’s bat-to-ball skill and commendable defense at least gives him a high production floor."

The 32-year-old played in 71 games at first base, two games in left field, 20 games in right field, and was the designated hitter 50 times during the 2025 season.

ESPN projects O'Hearn to sign for two years, $27 million, which is the kind of contract the Reds can afford.

With Sal Stewart in line to be Cincinnati's first baseman of the future, O'Hearn would fill in mostly at the DH spot for the Reds. While he would certainly improve their offense, I'd like them to go after someone with slightly more production.

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