Reds Upcoming Schedule Could Fuel Early-Season Hot Streak

Chicago will come to Great American Ball Park on May 23rd, giving Cincinnati over a month until the showdown. Before then, the team will face off against in-division rivals the St. Louis Cardinals for three at home and three on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Following the series against the Mariners, the Reds go on a three-series road trip against the Baltimore Orioles, the Marlins, and the Colorado Rockies. Baltimore's pitching has been underwhelming and injured. Miami has had an impressive start with multiple last-second wins, but they have begun to come down to earth. As for the Rockies, the team holds the mark for the fewest wins and runs scored in baseball.

After returning home against the Cardinals, Cincinnati will face the struggling Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves before a three-game set against the new-look Houston Astros. This stretch should not be underestimated by Cincinnati, as there are no off days in between.

Ahead of the Cubs showdown will be a homestand against the Chicago White Sox, the Guardians, and the Pirates. This stretch will present a chance to be red hot going into the Cubs series and a pivotal point in the first quarter of the season. After all, the next portion will not be as kind to the Reds.

The team will finish in May and start in June against a string of 2024 playoff teams or organizations with playoff expectations for 2025. Following the Cubs series, the Reds start in May against the Kansas City Royals before again taking on Chicago. From there, a series against Milwaukee, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Guardians for a second time, and the Detroit Tigers. 

In other words, if new Manager Terry Francona wants to make some noise early in the season, that time is right now. The team has a favorable upcoming schedule for weeks to come and must take advantage before the real test comes in mid-May.