The Cincinnati Reds surprised some around Major League Baseball with a run to the playoffs in 2025, but their stay in the postseason was a short one.The Reds were overpowered in two games by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Wild Card Series, losing both games as their season came to an end.As the rest of the remaining playoff teams battle for a World Series championship, the Reds will turn their attention to the offseason, with the goal of not only reaching the playoffs in 2026, but winning a series for the first time since 1995.Below is a look at who will likely return to the team in 2026, who could be gone and which positions the Reds could look to upgrade this winter.Who’s Coming Back?The good news for Reds fans is that the 2025 team had a lot of young talent that remains under team control for the foreseeable future.That includes All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, first baseman Sal Stewart, right fielder Noelvi Marte, outfielder/first baseman Spencer Steer, outfielder Will Benson and center fielder TJ Friedl, giving the Reds a strong foundation to build their 2026 offense on.That’s not to mention second baseman Matt McLain and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, two struggling hitters who will look to bounce back offensively next season with their starting spots likely locked in.Catcher Tyler Stephenson, 28, has one more season before he hits free agency and could be an extension candidate for the Reds this offseason.In the outfield, veteran Austin Hays has a mutual option with the team that could see him return in 2026 or hit the free agent market this winter, depending on how both camps handle that decision. Gavin Lux has one more season of team control left and Miguel Andujar will be a free agent.On the pitching side, Hunter Greene’s salary will rise in 2026, though only to $8.3 million, making him one of the most affordable aces in the league.Behind Greene, the Reds are slated to return left-handers Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott, veteran right-hander Brady Singer and two of their most recent first round draft picks – Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder.Young relief pitchers Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, Connor Phillips and Zach Maxwell are also under contract for next season.Who Could Leave?At least four pitchers from the 2025 staff could hit the open market this winter, most notably closer Emilio Pagan.Thrust into the closer’s role after an injury to the since-released Alexis Diaz, Pagan flourished as Cincinnati’s closer. His 32 saves and 56 games finished both ranked second in the National League.Nick Martinez will be a free agent this winter after agreeing to a qualifying offer last offseason that paid him $21 million in 2025. Martinez started 26 games this season, appeared in 14 more out of the bullpen and finished with a 4.45 ERA.Veteran starters Zack Littell and Wade Miley are also slated to become unrestricted free agents.The Reds hold a $6.5 million team option on relief pitcher Scott Barlow and a $3 million team option on lefty Brent Suter.Upgrades Coming?While the Reds have never been known as big spenders in free agency, the team has made additions in previous years and could look to make upgrades at several positions this offseason.Those moves could come on the offensive side, where the Reds ranked 14th in the league in runs scored but lacked for power, ranking 21st in MLB with 167 home runs.Former Red Eugenio Suarez is set to become a free agent this offseason, though his fit with the Reds could be murky with the presence of Hayes at the hot corner.All-Star outfielders Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber (a Middletown, Ohio, native) are unlikely to land in the Reds’ price range.The White Sox have a club option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr., a former All-Star, and the Reds could be interested in his services, if he were to hit the free agent market.The Reds will also join the rest of Major League Baseball in searching for relief options this winter, regardless of if the team is able to re-sign Pagan.Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley and potentially Edwin Diaz could be among the top closers available. Other arms expected to hit the open market include former Reds closer Raisel Iglesias, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Seranthony Dominguez and Tyler Rogers.