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Goodyear Today
By the People, for the People
Reds Players Win Arbitration Cases Against Team
Tyler Stephenson and Graham Ashcraft prevail in first arbitration hearings for Cincinnati in years
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Cincinnati Reds players Tyler Stephenson and Graham Ashcraft both won their arbitration cases against the team, marking the first time the Reds had lost an arbitration hearing since 2019. Stephenson was awarded $6.8 million, while Ashcraft received $1.75 million. The arbitration process was described as mentally challenging, with players having to listen to the team argue against their desired salaries, but both players were ultimately satisfied with the outcomes.
Why it matters
The Reds' recent success in arbitration cases had allowed the team to hold firm on salaries, but these losses could signal a shift in the team's approach or indicate that players are becoming more adept at navigating the process. The outcomes also set new precedents for player compensation that could impact future negotiations.
The details
The Reds went to arbitration hearings with both Stephenson and Ashcraft, despite being relatively close in their salary offers. Stephenson was seeking $7.05 million, while the team offered $6.8 million, a $250,000 gap. Ashcraft's case was more complex, as he had transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever, making comparable salaries difficult to determine. The Reds had offered $1.5 million, while Ashcraft sought $1.75 million.
- The arbitration hearings took place in February 2026, just before the start of the Reds' spring training.
- The Reds had not lost an arbitration case since 2019.
The players
Tyler Stephenson
A catcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was awarded $6.8 million in his arbitration case against the team.
Graham Ashcraft
A relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was awarded $1.75 million in his arbitration case against the team.
What they’re saying
“You always hope it would come out on this side. I'm glad it's over.”
— Tyler Stephenson (yahoo.com)
“You definitely have to go in there and try to take it with a chip on your shoulder and know how to process the information you get from the team and from the other sources, and be able to say, 'I'm going to take this and use it for myself and not hold it against myself.'”
— Graham Ashcraft (yahoo.com)
What’s next
The Reds will now need to incorporate the new salaries for Stephenson and Ashcraft into their overall payroll as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
The Reds' losses in these arbitration cases could signal a shift in the team's approach or indicate that players are becoming more adept at navigating the process. The outcomes also set new precedents for player compensation that could impact future negotiations between the team and its players.
