Reds’ 2027 payroll gets surprising boost despite Elly De La Cruz’s projected raise

According to projections from MLB Trade Rumors, the Cincinnati Reds' 2027 arbitration class is estimated to cost $42.7 million across 12 eligible players. Despite superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz being projected to receive a significant raise to $7.9 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility, the overall total remains lower than the $43.5 million the Reds paid to arbitration-eligible players last season.

Drew Koch reports that assuming potential options and pre-arbitration salaries, Cincinnati's payroll could stand near $98 million for 30 players. If the team maintains a payroll around last season's $129 million level, front office executives Nick Krall and Brad Meador would have approximately $32 million in financial flexibility to address roster needs.