Reds Arbitration Class to Cost $41.6 Million in 2027
MLB Trade Rumors projects significant salary increases for eleven arbitration-eligible Cincinnati players in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Baseball
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Projections for the 2027 season indicate that the Cincinnati Reds will face a collective arbitration cost of $41.6 million for 11 eligible players. Elly De La Cruz leads the group with a projected salary of $7.9 million.
Why it matters
Rising salary projections for key contributors are driven by performance-based arbitration eligibility rules. These estimates help the organization manage its payroll and roster decisions after the team finished with a 75-87 record in 2026.
Elly De La Cruz is projected to earn $7.9 million in 2027, a significant increase from his estimated $800,000 salary in 2026. Other projections include $5.7 million for Nick Lodolo and Spencer Steer, $4.8 million for JJ Bleday, $4.5 million for Andrew Abbott, and $4 million for Matt McLain.
The players
Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz is a dynamic infielder for the Cincinnati Reds known for his speed and power on the basepaths.
Matt McLain
Matt McLain is a middle infielder for the Cincinnati Reds who is entering a pivotal stage of his arbitration eligibility.
Oswaldo Cabrera
Oswaldo Cabrera is a versatile utility player who signed with the Cincinnati Reds in October 2026.
The details
The salary model evaluates factors including playing time, position, and statistical performance to forecast arbitration awards. These figures serve as a baseline for negotiation as the front office balances the roster, which also recently added Oswaldo Cabrera on a one-year deal.
Timeline
Matt McLain recorded a .185 batting average over 134 games during the 2026 season.
Oswaldo Cabrera signed a one-year contract with the Reds in October 2026.
Arbitration-eligible players are looking toward the 2027 season for their projected salary payouts.
Season Trajectory
These projected salary figures influence the Reds' payroll flexibility and their ability to sign additional free agents for the 2027 season. The financial landscape shifts the competitive balance as the club looks to improve upon its 75-87 record from the prior year.
The projected $41.6 million total for arbitration-eligible players directly dictates the remaining budget for the Cincinnati front office to pursue external free agents. These internal cost allocations determine which players the Reds can feasibly retain to anchor the 2027 starting lineup.
The takeaway
These projections highlight the financial reality of developing young talent in professional baseball as players move through the arbitration process. Understanding these figures is essential for fans tracking the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the roster.
Further reading
For more news on the team's roster moves, see Cincinnati Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKRC.
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