Schwarber and the Reds 2026 payroll challenge:
Nick Krall says the Reds 2026 budget will be around the same as it was in 2025. That means in the neighborhood of $115M.
The grouping of players below will cost the Reds approximately $103M in 2026.
-11 hitters at $39.6M, 13 pitchers at $45.35M
-$2.25M in buyouts: Austin Hays, Brent Suter, Scott Barlow
-$16M in ‘26 salary owed: Jeimer Candelario ($13m '26 + $3M buyout)
Left to spend: Approximately $12M
The grouping below DOESN'T INCLUDE departed free agents: Austin Hays, Nick Martinez, Miguel Andujar, Brent Suter, Scott Barlow, Zack Littell, Santiago Espinal, Ian Gibaut.
This grouping would still need a right-handed hitting outfielder, utility infielder, multiple relievers, including a LHP
Kyle Schwarber is expected to earn in the neighborhood of $30M a season.
How do the Reds make the math work?
Hitters: 11 of 13 spots/ $39.6M
Ke’Bryan Hayes $7M
Jose Trevino $5.25
Tyler Stephenson $6.4M*
Gavin Lux $5M*
TJ Friedl $4.9M*
Spencer Steer $4.5M*
Matt McLain $2.6M*
Will Benson $1.7M*
Elly De La Cruz $750K
Noelvi Marte $750k
Sal Stewart $750K
Other possibilities: CES, Blake Dunn, Tyler Callihan, Hector Rodriguez, Edwin Arroyo (each $750K)
Pitchers: 13 of 13 spots/$45M
Brady Singer $11.9*
Emilio Pagan $10M
Hunter Greene $8.3M
Nick Lodolo $4.3M*
Tony Santillan $2.4M*
Graham Ashcraft $1.4M*
Keegan Thompson $1.3M (if on ML roster)
Sam Moll $1.2M*
Andrew Abbott $750K
Chase Burns $750K
Rhett Lowder $750K
Connor Phillips $750K
Brandon Williamson $800K*
*Projected arbitration salary (MLB Trade Rumors)
Other possibilities: Carson Spiers, Zach Maxwell, Lyon Richardson, Luis Mey, Chasey Petty, Julian Aguiar, Yozver Zulueta, Sam Benschoter (each $750K)