Cincinnati Reds Reach 8 Contract Deals for 2026 | Stephenson & Ashcraft to Arbitration

Nick Kirby, Craig Sandlin, and Mike Hart deliver instant reaction to the breaking news that the Reds traded Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team deal that brings reliever Brock Burke back from the Los Angeles Angels. The trio breaks down why the Reds moved on from Lux, what Burke adds to the bullpen, and whether this trade signals another move is coming — specifically, a bat to bolster the lineup.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovcrvfDdPU0      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org    

Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh joins the Stone Shields Show for an exclusive interview. Stone and Chris dive into the Reds’ offseason moves so far, expectations for the 2026 season, and Welsh’s early impressions of Terry Francona in year one at the helm. Plus, Chris shares his favorite George Grande story and plenty more insight from inside the broadcast booth. A must-listen for Reds fans.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lKOzWExJBQ      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

Nick Kirby and Mike Hart break down the Cincinnati Reds’ eight contract agreements to avoid arbitration, including deals for Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Nick Lodolo, Tony Santillan, Matt McLain, Brady Singer, and TJ Friedl. They also dive into the two players likely headed for arbitration — Tyler Stephenson and Graham Ashcraft — and what those cases could mean for the Reds moving forward. Plus, the guys discuss the possibility of trading Brady Singer and tackle other key Reds roster questions.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb7ScEinjwM      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org    

Nick Kirby and Mike Hart break down a busy week for the Cincinnati Reds, highlighted by an MLB deal for reliever Pierce Johnson and a wave of minor-league signings including Michael Toglia, Josh Staumont, Brandon Liebrant, Hagen Danner and Garrett Hampson. They also examine major moves around the NL Central, including the Chicago Cubs trading top prospect Owen Caissie to the Marlins for Edward Cabrera and signing Alex Bregman. Plus, more Reds news and offseason discussion.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCy9f9gUH9k      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org  

On this episode Chatterbox Reds, Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down Mark Sheldon’s report that the Cincinnati Reds “loathe” trading from their starting pitching depth. They explore whether that mindset makes sense, which pitchers could realistically be on the trade block, and how the Reds might navigate their roster moves. Plus, they dive into Eugenio Suarez as a potential free agent target and what adding him could mean for the team’s lineup.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kVtqV-uow      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org      

On the latest episode of Chatterbox Reds, Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin react to a report from Mark Sheldon revealing that the Cincinnati Reds have not held any multi-year contract extension talks with arbitration-eligible players or those under club control. They break down whether that’s a cause for concern and discuss which players the Reds should prioritize for extensions in the near future.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTER at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3jzjxMYIOY      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org  

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin react on this episode of Chatterbox Reds to the release of the first 2026 NL Central win total betting odds. They break down where the Cincinnati Reds are projected to land, what the odds say about expectations for 2026, and how the rest of the division stacks up — including a surprising projection for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Plus, what it all means for the Reds moving forward.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iIRQkXyhRA      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down a new report from Mark Sheldon detailing the Cincinnati Reds’ infield plans for 2026, including Matt McLain being viewed as the primary second baseman and Gavin Lux projected as a utility infielder. They discuss whether the Reds are handling those roles correctly and how the rest of the infield picture fits together, including Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Ke’Bryan Hayes. The guys also dive into the latest Reds and MLB news, including the Reds signing right-hander Yunior Marte to a minor-league deal after a dominant 2025 season in Japan, where he posted a 1.95 ERA with the Chunichi Dragons. Marte last pitched in MLB with the Phillies in 2024 and can earn $1.05 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. Additional topics include a report from The Athletic that the Reds are still searching for bullpen help, possible trade scenarios involving starting pitching, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Reds’ local TV situation, and updates on recent waiver activity. They also discuss the latest Redsfest confirmations, Edwin Arroyo’s hot start in Puerto Rico, and reports that the Pirates are showing interest in Eugenio Suárez.   Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their End of Season Sale. And use promo code CHATTER at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45fWqQUPzX4      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down a revealing report from Bob Nightengale detailing the turbulent offseason surrounding Hunter Greene and the Cincinnati Reds. The discussion centers on Greene’s 90-minute sit-down, where he made it clear he loves being in Cincinnati, does not want to be traded, and pushed back strongly against speculation surrounding his 2025 season. Greene also addressed his decision to decline repeated invitations from World Baseball Classic officials, choosing instead to remain with his Reds teammates during spring training. Nick and Craig dive into Greene’s sharp response to narratives questioning the length of his recovery from a strained right groin that sidelined him for 2½ months last season. Greene called suggestions that he delayed his return or didn’t want to be with the team “disrespectful” and “disingenuous,” firmly rejecting that characterization. The episode also examines comments from Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, who suggested the reporting around Greene has been overblown, and whether this situation is something the organization can fully move past. Finally, Nick and Craig revisit past criticism of the World Baseball Classic from Terry Francona in 2017 and discuss whether those views could influence Reds player participation in future tournaments. A must-listen episode on player perception, injury narratives, organizational trust, and what all of this means for Hunter Greene and the Reds moving forward.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seSmzP8dYpM      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down a new report detailing the Cincinnati Reds’ offseason strategy following the additions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers. The report indicates both players were acquired as upside plays—and as insurance if a larger move does not materialize. They also discuss why the Reds are “not entertaining” trade talks involving TJ Friedl, what it would mean if the Reds decide to trade a starting pitcher, and why the front office would look to replace that arm immediately. Nick shares his thoughts on a perfect trade target for Cincinnati, plus dives into a subtle but telling comment in the report that could offer insight into the Reds’ plans for Will Benson in 2026.   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pcejsH535U      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org     OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org