UNLOADING: Cincinnati Reds START Offseason by PARTING Ways With TJ Friedl, Will Benson

Cincinnati Reds begin their offseason with a major roster shakeup as TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and PJ Higgins elect free agency, raising questions about Nick Krall’s vision for 2027. Steven Offenbaker reacts to the surprising exit of key contributors and the puzzling loss of Michael Toglia on waivers despite his minor league power. With Derek Johnson’s departure as pitching coordinator, can the Reds stabilize their pitching development, or will a shift in philosophy derail their young staff?

The cancellation of Reds Fest and the return of the entire broadcasting crew—including John Sadak, Chris Welsh, and Barry Larkin—add another layer to the Reds’ tumultuous offseason. Offenbaker weighs the missed opportunity to rebuild fan trust while celebrating the stability of the broadcast booth. Can Cincinnati’s front office regain traction after a disappointing 75-87 campaign, or is more frustration brewing for Reds fans ahead of the looming CBA uncertainty?

Cincinnati Reds, Reds News, Reds Offseason, Reds Roster Moves, TJ Friedl, Will Benson, Michael Toglia, PJ Higgins, Ivan Johnson, Derek Johnson, Chris Veleka, Nick Krall, Phil Castellini, Terry Francona, Reds Broadcasting, John Sadak, Tommy Thrall, Jeff Brantley, Chris Welsh, Barry Larkin, Jim Day, Reds Fest, MLB News, Cincinnati Reds Roster, Cincinnati Reds Rumors, Cincinnati Reds Updates

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On Reds community: https://lockedonreds.supercast.com

BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Cincinnati Reds Talk!

https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/

- Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.