Cincinnati made a number of moves in the off-season, including replacing Joe Kelley as manager with Ned Hanlon.
The team also traded away infielder Al Bridwell to the Boston Beaneaters for third baseman Jim Delahanty and pitcher Chick Fraser.
Delahanty hit .255 with five homers and 55 RBI with Boston in 1905, while Fraser had a 14–21 record with a 3.28 ERA in his only season with the Beaneaters.
Miller Huggins had another solid season at second base, leading the team with a .292 batting average, 159 hits and 81 runs.
Catcher Admiral Schlei had a break out season, hitting .245 with a team high four homers and 54 RBI.