Three questions facing the Cincinnati Reds this offseason

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 final wild card team. However, the Reds had the same record as they did in 2021 and have not had a winning percentage over .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. Overall, the Reds have won only two playoff games since winning the World Series in 1990.

That is not to take anything away from the Reds' accomplishments. Reaching the postseason is a great first step in their first season under manager Terry Francona. The Reds also have a strong core to the rotation with Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz appears to be on the cusp of stardom. However, the Reds need more if they are going to take that next step and advance in the postseason.

Three questions surrounding 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 homers and 31 doubles over 699 plate appearances with 37 steals. He was also one of just five Reds to have at least 50 plate appearances and an OPS+ above 100 (league average). Two of those five — outfielder Austin Hays and outfielder/infielder Miguel Andujar — are likely to leave in free agency.

Some help may be on the horizon. Third baseman Sal Stewart had a promising debut, albeit in 58 plate appearances. However, first baseman Spencer Steer has not developed as hoped and infielder Matt McLain struggled after missing the 2024 season due to injury. As the Reds have a limited budget, any improvements may need to come from within.

2. Should the Reds trade a pitcher for help in the lineup?

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 outings in the minors in 2025 due to injuries, but impressed during his six games with the Reds in 2024.

That crop of pitchers could push Brady Singer out of the rotation. He is under team control for one more 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 may be able to bring back a respectable option to improve the lineup, something that could make a difference as the Reds look to return to the playoffs.

3. Who closes 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 banished to the minors after a five-run implosion on April 30 and was sent to the Dodgers on May 29. Emilio Pagan performed admirably in his first extended run as a closer since 2019, recording 32 saves while posting a 2.88 ERA and a 0.917 WHiP.

The problem is that Pagan will be a free agent once the offseason begins. His stellar performance likely pushed him beyond the Reds' budget, leaving a gaping hole in the back of the bullpen. Former starters Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan fared well in relief and could be the answer. Santillan did record seven saves in 2025 and has the stuff to handle the ninth inning. However, the Reds may want to bring in a reliever with closing experience as a fallback option should Ashcraft and Santillan falter in 2026.