MIAMI – The Cincinnati Reds have carried a $130 million player payroll through the first five months of the 2021 season, which is slightly lower than their Opening Day payroll from 2019.
The Reds were expected to have a club-record payroll ahead of the 2020 season, but the season was shortened to 60 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic (with prorated pay). During the winter, the Reds jettisoned relievers Raisel Iglesias and Archie Bradley to lower payroll ahead of this season.
They have the 16th-highest payroll in Major League Baseball, according to figures obtained by USA TODAY, which is slightly below the league average.