The Reds finally got back to October in 2025 — 83 wins, a Wild Card berth, and a reminder that this franchise should be better than “Hey, at least we tried.” The problem? They weren’t built to last in October. They couldn’t hit enough when it mattered, and they spent most nights asking the pitching staff to be Houdini.
2026 has to be the year Cincinnati stops being cute and starts being dangerous.
1. Add a real middle-order bat.
The Reds have athletes, energy, and speed. What they don’t have is someone who terrifies a pitcher in the eighth inning. That’s why Kyle Schwarber — born and raised just up the road in Middletown, Ohio — makes all the sense in the world. He’s a left-handed slugger who instantly changes how opponents script your lineup. Cincinnati needs a star bat who can hit behind the kids and make Great American Ball Park feel small again. Schwarber checks every box.
2. Untangle the position traffic jam.
Right now, the Reds are remixing roles every day like it’s spring training — and it shows. As of the 2025 depth chart, Spencer Steer and Gavin Lux both have time penciled in at left field, first base and even DH, depending on the day. Meanwhile, corner-infield depth or a steady right field are practically footnotes. This carousel hurts rhythm.
Cincinnati needs to decide — now — who will be the everyday starters at left field, first base and right field. Keep the athletic utility guys as role players or trade bait. No more nightly auditions.
3. Reinforce the pitching staff.
On paper, the Reds have options: starters like Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, and down-the-line hopefuls like Andrew Abbott or younger arms ready to step up. But the bullpen? Trouble. Their 2025 relief corps ended the year with a 3.89 ERA, and the unit blew 22 saves — not exactly the “lock down September” you hope for.
If the 83-79 season wasn’t a fluke, the club needs to shore up depth before the bell tolls. That means one dependable mid-rotation starter (not a lottery ticket), plus at least one proven high-leverage reliever who can close out games without constant anxiety. Solidify rotation depth and bullpen backbone — then let the young arms and breakout bats carry the upside, not the burden.
