The Cincinnati Reds have confirmed they will not non-tender starting pitcher Nick Lodolo at the end of the season, despite his recent struggles. Since returning from a blister issue, Lodolo has allowed 14 earned runs over 16.1 innings and has been experimenting with a new breaking pitch that has not yet shown effectiveness. His performance raises concerns about his trade value, especially with an arbitration raise anticipated from his current salary of $4.73 million. The final starts of the 2026 season are crucial for the Reds as they assess Lodolo’s potential and the overall pitching depth of the team, particularly with Hunter Greene sidelined for all of 2027. Lodolo’s next start is scheduled against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park.
Why It Matters
Lodolo’s situation is significant as it could impact the Reds’ pitching strategy moving forward, especially with key players like Hunter Greene unavailable. The Reds are under pressure to evaluate their roster’s potential and the effectiveness of their pitchers, especially after Lodolo’s promising 2025 performance, where he contributed roughly 5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). As they navigate the challenges of player performance and arbitration processes, the Reds must determine if they need further pitching support in the upcoming offseason. This evaluation will influence their decisions in player acquisitions and overall team development.
Want More Context? 🔎
