# @redsdaily on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeSHBlyFE2c
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71552595-redsdaily-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c1d3522dcf.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-09T18:04:33.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Reds Daily (@RedsDaily) — https://gondola.cc/RedsDaily

## Caption

The Reds can *not* afford to fumble QB1 this offseason. 

Clay Snowden of Just Baseball calls Cincinnati's catching situation dire with Tyler Stephenson's contract expired and nothing behind him. 

His case: 688 games of .257/.335/.422 and a 105 wRC+, familiarity with the staff, and a bridge to prospect Alfredo Duno — and with Ryan Jeffers the only other everyday option out there, the Reds cornered themselves. 

Unless the Reds consider Jeffers of course 👀

He's a legit offensive threat at a premium position, putting up a rock-solid .256/.353/.461 slash line with 14 home runs in 2026. 

Jeffers has 9.4 WAR since 2023 averaging 109 games per season during that time.

Dude is a reliable overall asset. And if the Reds lose Stephenson or let him walk, the Reds need someone to cover the backstop before Alfredo Duno arrives and decimates the league (can’t wait btw)🔥🔥

So targeting a proven premier bat-first free agent like Jeffers could make sense for an offense that would have been torture worthy if Stephenson didn't perform like he did in the second half of 2026.

Expect Jeffers to command a premium 4-year, $52–$60 million deal ($13–15M AAV). 

He brings a high-OBP ceiling and a modern power profile.

Stephenson, who hit 15 homers with a 2.5 WAR in 2026, will likely lock down a slightly more modest 3-year, $33–$39 million contract ($11–13M AAV). 

Stephenson is 30, like 200 days older than Jeffers, but also the longest tenured Red, a known and trusted presence in the clubhouse, and Cincinnati clearly means a lot to him (see Jim Day’s trade deadline interview with Stephenson)

So who do you guys think the Reds should sign this offseason to catch for the Reds in 2027?

#Reds #RedsNation #mlb #HotStove #ATOBTTR

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## Tags

reds, mlb, atobttr, hotstove, redsnation

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