In concept, the 2025 season was successful for the Cincinnati Reds.
In actuality, it was extra of the identical. Sure, the Reds made the postseason as the ultimate wild card workforce. Nevertheless, the Reds had the identical file as they did in 2021 and haven’t had a successful proportion over .512 in a non-pandemic shortened yr since 2013. The Reds had been then swept by the Dodgers within the Wild Card spherical and haven’t received a playoff sport since 2012. Total, the Reds have received solely two playoff video games since successful the World Collection in 1990.
That’s not to take something away from the Reds’ accomplishments. Reaching the postseason is a good first step of their first season below supervisor Terry Francona. The Reds even have a robust core to the rotation with Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz seems to be on the cusp of stardom. Nevertheless, the Reds want extra if they will take that subsequent step and advance within the postseason.
Three questions surrounding the Cincinnati Reds heading into the offseason
1. Can the Reds discover assist for De La Cruz within the lineup?
De La Cruz had one other strong season in 2025, posting a .264/.336/.440 batting line with 22 homers and 31 doubles over 699 plate appearances with 37 steals. He was additionally considered one of simply 5 Reds to have at the least 50 plate appearances and an OPS+ above 100 (league common). Two of these 5 — outfielder Austin Hays and outfielder/infielder Miguel Andujar — are more likely to depart in free company.
Some assist could also be on the horizon. Third baseman Sal Stewart had a promising debut, albeit in 58 plate appearances. Nevertheless, first baseman Spencer Steer has not developed as hoped and infielder Matt McLain struggled after lacking the 2024 season resulting from damage. Because the Reds have a restricted price range, any enhancements may have to come back from inside.
2. Ought to the Reds commerce a pitcher for assist in the lineup?
One other doable choice for the Reds can be to commerce considered one of their starters. Abbott, Greene and Lodolo are a formidable trio, whereas prospects Chase Burns and Chase Petty made their main league debuts in 2025. Rhett Lowder made 5 disastrous outings within the minors in 2025 resulting from accidents, however impressed throughout his six video games with the Reds in 2024.
That crop of pitchers may push Brady Singer out of the rotation. He’s below workforce management for yet another yr and has developed right into a strong middle-of-the-rotation arm. That kind of pitcher has worth, particularly as groups search for choices to enhance the rotation. Singer might be able to convey again a good choice to enhance the lineup, one thing that might make a distinction because the Reds look to return to the playoffs.
3. Who closes for the Reds in 2026?
Alexis Diaz was anticipated to be the reply within the ninth inning for the foreseeable future after recording 65 saves between 2023 and 2024. As a substitute, the previous All-Star was banished to the minors after a five-run implosion on April 30 and was despatched to the Dodgers on Might 29. Emilio Pagan carried out admirably in his first prolonged run as a better since 2019, recording 32 saves whereas posting a 2.88 ERA and a 0.917 WHiP.
The issue is that Pagan shall be a free agent as soon as the offseason begins. His stellar efficiency probably pushed him past the Reds’ price range, leaving a gaping gap at the back of the bullpen. Former starters Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan fared nicely in aid and could possibly be the reply. Santillan did file seven saves in 2025 and has the stuff to deal with the ninth inning. Nevertheless, the Reds might wish to herald a reliever with closing expertise as a fallback choice ought to Ashcraft and Santillan falter in 2026.
