Reds Bring Back Brent Suter, Make Roster Moves Ahead of Offseason

Cincinnati, OH – Amid a flurry of roster moves, the Cincinnati Reds announced Friday they’ve re-signed left-handed reliever Brent Suter to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The deal includes a club option for 2026 worth $3 million, with a $250,000 buyout.

These moves come after the Reds declined Suter’s $3.5 million option for 2025, opting instead to provide the $250,000 buyout. They also declined backup catcher Luke Maile’s $3.5 million option. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez exercised his opt-out clause, becoming a free agent.

Suter, a Cincinnati native, enjoyed a successful first season with his hometown team in 2023. Across 47 games, he posted a 3.15 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and two saves. His versatility proved valuable, pitching 63 1/3 innings, starting three games, and even making a pair of lengthy relief appearances.

“Any time we gave him the ball, he took it in different roles and different settings, and he was comfortable in everything,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. “A good veteran presence on the team as well.”

Maile, a Northern Kentucky native, batted .178 with a .520 OPS and two homers in 53 games backing up Tyler Stephenson. While his offensive numbers weren’t flashy, Maile was highly regarded for his work with the pitching staff and leadership in the clubhouse. A return for Maile remains a possibility.

“I’m not ruling anything out going into the offseason. We’re just trying to work through what that market looks like,” Krall stated.

Another significant decision facing the Reds is regarding Nick Martinez. After a strong season, Martinez opted out of his contract. The Reds have until Monday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline to extend a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million. Martinez then has until November 19th to accept.

Right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis also declined his $8 million mutual option, receiving a $3 million buyout. Meanwhile, first baseman Ty France and outfielder Nick Martini elected to become free agents instead of accepting outright assignments to Triple-A Louisville.

France, acquired from the Mariners in July, struggled offensively in Cincinnati, batting .251 with a .683 OPS. Martini, meanwhile, hit .229 with a .731 OPS and 11 homers over 81 games.

Looking ahead, Krall emphasized the Reds’ intention to improve the club, stating, “We’ll touch base with everybody when we get there, just try to figure out what everybody else is doing and start the process of working on how to improve the club.”

Stay tuned for further updates as the Reds navigate the offseason.