Reds have two promising paths forward with Nick Lodolo this offseason

Writer Brandon Glick argues the Cincinnati Reds must decide whether to trade starting pitcher Nick Lodolo or keep him for a bounce-back year. Lodolo has one year of team control remaining before entering free agency in 2027. Despite a difficult 2026 season where he posted a 4.97 ERA across 21 starts due to recurring blister issues, Glick notes that Lodolo demonstrated high-end capability during his strong 2025 campaign.

Glick suggests Cincinnati could explore trading Lodolo to contenders seeking affordable pitching in exchange for young controllable talent, similar to recent Milwaukee Brewers trades. Alternatively, with Hunter Greene projected to miss all of next season, Glick believes keeping Lodolo may provide necessary rotation stability while the front office addresses the offense.