What We Learned From the 2025 Cincinnati Reds’ Season

Brady Singer turned out to be a great addition who helped lengthen the rotation and provide a few huge starts, while Chase Burns flashed what made him the second overall pick. I think we saw true, sustainable changes and not just a stretch of lucky pitching resulting in good numbers.

The Reds have a rotation that is playoff caliber.

Elly De La Cruz Didn’t Meet Expectations in 2025

The hype around Elly De La Cruz has been sky high for awhile, and it’s easy to see why.

After posting a 6.5 fWAR in his second season, Elly was expected to fully assume the role of superstar that this team desperately needs. Instead, he slashed .264/.336/.440 with 22 home runs, 37 stolen bases, and a 108 wRC+.

His defense lacked focus at times and gave some legs to the folks who want him off short, which I think is now a more fair argument than ever before.

However, keep in mind that Elly is still 23 years old and a developing player. The tools are there, he once again improved both his pitch recognition and swing-and-miss, but the power and speed wasn’t the same. New staff likely played a role in that, but we can’t say for certain.

I’m not giving up the hopes for a true superstar. I think it would be crazy to completely adjust expectations given his raw talent and improvements he’s made at the weakest part of his game — swing decisions. He has to be better for the Reds to reach their goals, we all know that, but I need another season of this level before adjusting my expectations.

A Middle-of-the-Order Bat Is a Must

I know I just said we need to adjust our expectations on the type of player the Reds add this offseason, but addressing the middle of the order does not have to mean signing Kyle Schwarber.

The Reds’ offense was made up on players who were around league average, and that is simply not going to cut it.

Maybe it’s via trade. Perhaps it’s a surprise free agent. Or, and what I think is most likely, potentially it’s through internal development. Sal Stewart, Noelvi Marte, Elly, or others could improve to a level addressing the need, but I wouldn’t want to bank on that alone.

The offense needs a difference maker. Someone who doesn’t come with so many caveats, such as which arm the pitcher throws with, an injury history, or a huge red flag of some sort. They need a reliable bat to raise the ceiling, which is easier said then done.

The Bullpen Found Some Answers

Many questioned the level of talent in the Reds’ bullpen heading into the season. Hell, Ian Gibaut was tasked with closing out opening day. As the season went on, the Reds were able to see a few names emerge and earn serious roles next season.

Tony Santillan was a workhorse, appearing in 80 games and pitching to the tune of a 2.44 ERA and 3.72 FIP. When the Reds needed big outs it was Pagan and Santillan, often times pitching in back-to-back games, if not more.

It’s not perfect, but Santillan pitched to a level that you can count on next season.

Connor Phillips rose from the dead and flashed high-leverage upside. Coming out of the bullpen was the best I’ve seen him look, and although I still have reservations about his command, I think he’s in the best spot for him to succeed.

Another converted start was Graham Ashcraft, who pitched to a 3.99 ERA and 2.72 FIP. Like Phillips, the bullpen role resulted in what I think is the best version of Ashcraft. With an offseason of confidence and work in this specific role, I’m intrigued to see if he can take another step forward next season.

Concerns About the Help on the Way

The small-market way is to sell fans on the next wave of prospects coming up. Rookies and 22-year-olds who will surely fix any problems the team had prior. Well, the Reds do not have many prospects ready to fill any big holes. The system has a number of high-upside prospects, but they are unlikely to be called upon in 2026.

Excluding Stewart due to his debut, there’s really only one player I’m confident has a chance to make an impact next year, and that’s Hector Rodriguez. The Reds No. 9 ranked prospect (too low) split time in Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .283/.336/.450 with 19 home runs and a 118 wRC+.

He struggled a bit in Triple-A, but that doesn’t worry me too much as he’ll start there next year.

He’s starting to develop more power, but his plus-plus contact rates seem to align with the type of hitter Tito wants. He’s also a lefty bat and outfielder, which the team could use. There’s a chance he’s up next year at some point and could provide a boost.

Outside of Rodriguez, I don’t have much confidence in anyone being more than a depth player, for 2026 at least.

Rhett Lowder has battled injuries and inconsistencies, and I need to see him pitch better and more consistently before buying in. Chase Petty, well, let’s just say I’m not a believer.

There will be pop up prospects and overachievers, but the depth will be questioned.

Final Thoughts

Here is the positive: The Reds’ pitching staff, specifically the rotation, will mostly all return after an excel year. The Reds made the playoffs despite a down year from Elly, a miserable year from McLain, and an uninspiring lineup. A few fixes and the Reds could have a much higher outlook for 2026.

Now here is the negative: Cincinnati is playing with a hand tied behind their back if Terry Francona continues to sleep at the wheel. He’s an awesome guy, easy to root for, and proven, but it’s looking closer to the Tony La Russa White Sox than I thought.

Overall, I think the Reds are still on a more promising path than we have seen since the early 2010s. At least they have players who provide a solid baseline, which hasn’t always been the case. Now they need to find difference makers, which is always the hardest part for a small-market team.

I do see a path where the Reds have a bit of a shake up of sorts. It might be moving on from a couple guys we thought would be core pieces two years ago. It might mean making a Brady Singer/Jonathan India major leaguer for major leaguer-type deal.

Either way, the Reds cannot roll into 2026 with essentially the same team and hope for better results, because I think the outcome could be worse.