With Nick Martinez and Zack Littell nearing free agency, the Cincinnati Reds will need to reinforce their starting rotation this offseason.
That said, a major overhaul isn’t necessary. Hunter Greene headlines the staff, with Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, and Nick Lodolo forming a strong supporting cast. Promising arms like Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Chase Petty are also on track to earn serious MLB opportunities by 2026, giving manager Terry Francona plenty of depth to work with.
Still, Martinez and Littell combined for 219 innings in 2025 — a significant workload to replace if both depart. As such, the Reds would be wise to pursue at least one reliable veteran starter, ideally someone affordable and consistent. Former Red Tyler Mahle fits that profile perfectly.
Mahle served as one of the few steady presences during the Reds’ previous rebuild, throwing nearly 600 innings between 2017 and 2022 while maintaining a 4.35 ERA. He was eventually dealt to the Minnesota Twins at the 2022 trade deadline — a move that netted Cincinnati Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
When healthy, Mahle was dependable, though durability often eluded him. He managed just 42 innings with the Twins before departing in free agency to join the reigning champion Texas Rangers. After a limited 2024 campaign, Mahle bounced back impressively the following season, posting a 2.18 ERA over 86⅔ innings. His 168 ERA+ marked a career best.
So, where does a pitcher like Mahle fit within the Reds’ budget plans? If there’s one thing that’s defined his career lately, it’s been injuries. Since July 2022, Mahle has dealt with a string of shoulder, elbow, and arm issues, limiting him to just 141⅓ innings since being traded from Cincinnati more than three years ago. He even missed three months of the 2025 season due to shoulder fatigue.
Despite his talent, the 31-year-old righty’s ongoing health struggles will likely hurt his value on the open market. While that’s unfortunate for Mahle, it presents an opportunity for the cost-conscious Reds. They could benefit from adding a high-upside veteran starter without breaking the bank — someone who can complement their young, ascending rotation.
Mahle will probably need to accept a one-year “prove-it” contract in 2026, ideally with a contender. Having never appeared in the postseason during his nine-year career, he’ll be motivated to join a team with October potential. Cincinnati can offer him both a chance to compete and a manageable workload, thanks to their existing pitching depth.
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