Reds payroll challenge

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 $108.25 in 2026.

-12 hitters at $41M, 13 pitchers at $49M

-$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 $6.8M

Hitters: 12 of 13 spots/ $41M

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

Ben Rortvedt $1.3M*

Other possibilities: CES, Blake Dunn, Tyler Callihan, Hector Rodriguez, Edwin Arroyo (each $750K)

Pitchers: 13 of 13 spots/$49M

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*

Caleb Ferguson $4.5M

*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)