DECISION TIME: Reds CANNOT Replace Tyler Stevenson – Qualifying Offer is CRITICAL for 2027

Cincinnati Reds face a franchise-defining decision: can they afford NOT to extend Tyler Stevenson a qualifying offer? As free agency looms, the lackluster catcher market, highlighted by Jose Treviño’s offensive shortcomings, puts the Reds in a precarious spot—risking a massive lineup downgrade if Stevenson walks. Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel dissect Stevenson’s value, pointing to his rare power and on-base ability for a catcher, and break down why $23 million for one year might be the smartest bridge to top prospect Alfredo Duno. The hosts compare Stevenson to free agent alternatives like Ryan Jeffers and Carson Kelly, question Nick Krall’s front office strategy, and explore what life in 2027 would look like with Treviño as the primary backstop. Are the Reds ready to roll the dice on a thin free agent class, or is a Stevenson reunion their only hope? Cincinnati Reds, Reds News, Reds Rumors, Tyler Stevenson, qualifying offer, Jose Trevino, Alfredo Duno, Ryan Jeffers, Carson Kelly, Henry Davis, Jonah Heim, Nick Krall, Reds catcher, MLB Free Agency, Cincinnati Reds Roster, MLB rumors, MLB news, Cincinnati baseball, baseball news, Reds offseason, Locked On Reds 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. Dose Daily Ready to give your liver the support it deserves? Head to https://DoseDaily.co/LOCKEDONMLB or enter LOCKEDONMLB to get 35% off your first subscription. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware. Protect yourself now. Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon Stance Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings. Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com. Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball. KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Reds #CincinnatiReds #MLB