In theory, the 2025 season was a success for the Cincinnati Reds.
In reality it was more of the same. Yes, the Reds made the postseason as the last wild card team. However, the Reds had the same record as in 2021 and haven’t had a winning percentage above .512 in a non-pandemic shortened year since 2013. The Reds were then swept by the Dodgers in the Wild Card round and have not won a playoff game since 2012. In total, the Reds have won just two playoff games since winning the World Series in 1990.
That’s not to take anything away from the Reds’ performance. Reaching the postseason is a great first step in their first season under manager Terry Francona. The Reds also have a strong core in the rotation with Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Short stop Elly De La Cruz seems to be on the brink of stardom. However, the Reds need more if they want to take the next step and advance in the postseason.
Three questions about the Cincinnati Reds heading into the offseason
1. Can the Reds find help for De La Cruz in the lineup?
De La Cruz had another solid season in 2025, posting a .264/.336/.440 batting line with 22 home runs and 31 doubles over 699 plate appearances with 37 steals. He was too one of only five Reds have at least 50 at-bats and an OPS+ above 100 (competition average). Two of those five – outfielder Austin Hays and outfielder/infielder Miguel Andujar – are likely to leave in free agency.
There may be some help on the horizon. Third baseman Sal Stewart had a promising debut, albeit in 58 at bats. However, first baseman Spencer Steer did not develop as hoped and infielder Matt McLain struggled after missing the 2024 season due to injury. With the Reds on a limited budget, any improvements may have to come from within.
2. Should the Reds trade a pitcher for lineup help?
Another possible option for the Reds would be to trade one of their starters. Abbott, Greene and Lodolo are a formidable trio, while prospects Chase Burns and Chase Petty made their major league debuts in 2025. Rhett Lowder made five disastrous appearances in the minors in 2025. due to injuriesbut impressed during his six games with the Reds in 2024.
That crop of pitchers could push Brady Singer out of the rotation. He remains under team control for another year and has developed into a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. That type of pitcher has value, especially as teams look for options to improve the rotation. Singer could potentially bring back a respectable option to improve the lineup, something that could make a difference as the Reds attempt to return to the playoffs.
3. Who will close for the Reds in 2026?
Alexis Diaz was expected to be the answer in the ninth inning for the foreseeable future after recording 65 saves between 2023 and 2024. Instead, the former All-Star was relegated to the minors after a five-run implosion on April 30 and sent to the Dodgers on May 29. Emilio Pagan performed admirably in his first extended run as closer since 2019, recording 32 saves while posting a goal. 2.88 ERA and a WHIP of .917.
The problem is that Pagan will be a free agent once the offseason begins. His stellar performance likely pushed him out of the Reds’ budget, leaving a gaping hole in the bullpen. Former starters Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan performed well in relief and could be the answer. Santillan recorded seven saves in 2025 and has the stuff to handle the ninth inning. However, the Reds may want to bring in a reliever with slot experience as a fallback option should Ashcraft and Santillan falter in 2026.
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