The Cincinnati Reds' offseason feels less like a strategic effort to build a winning team and more like a public relations stunt that misses the mark on real progress. Many fans might feel frustrated seeing a team seemingly interested in polishing its image rather than making bold moves to improve on the field. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these public relations maneuvers genuine attempts to reassure fans, or are they just a convenient smokescreen while the team quietly falls short in actual roster upgrades?
As pitchers and catchers prepare to report in just over two weeks, the outlook for Cincinnati’s 2026 lineup remains largely unchanged from 2025, which raises important questions about the franchise’s commitment to improvement. This stagnation is concerning, especially when looking at the team’s offensive production last season.
In 2024, the Reds finished 14th in MLB for total runs scored with 716, which was just four runs below the league average. At first glance, that might seem decent, but the truth reveals a deeper problem. The team’s offensive output was highly inconsistent—scoring four runs or fewer in 90 games, three or fewer in 72, and only two or fewer in 54 games. These numbers highlight struggles that aren’t evident just by looking at the season total. The few games where they exploded offensively—scoring 11 or more runs in nine games—made up about 15% of their total runs, inflating their stats. For the remaining 153 games, they averaged just about 3.9 runs per game, which is not enough to sustain consistent success.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati's pitching staff was somewhat reliable, with an ERA of 3.86, ranking 12th in the league. One might assume that such solid pitching would translate into more wins, but the Reds ended the season with an 83-79 record and a playoff appearance that felt more like a lucky leap than a well-earned victory. The postseason berth seemed almost like a consolation prize more than a sign of true contention.
Looking ahead to this season, there’s some optimism about the pitching staff. With Rhett Lowder expected back healthy, Hunter Greene likely to make more than 19 starts, and new additions like left-handers Brock Burke (acquired via trade) and Caleb Ferguson, along with right-hander Pierce Johnson (signed as a free agent), the rotation and bullpen should be improved. The talent is certainly there — the question is whether that will translate into actual success.
What’s notably absent is consistent offensive power. The hope is that Elly De La Cruz’s power numbers will rebound after he played through a quad injury last season. It’s also reasonable to expect Matt McLain, after missing all of 2024 and struggling last season, to regain his 2023 form. Additionally, young Sal Stewart, who hit five home runs in just 58 plate appearances, might develop into a middle-of-the-lineup power threat capable of adding 25-30 home runs.
However, relying on hope never replaced the need for concrete action. Hope is not a game plan. The Reds entered the offseason with a clear need for a genuine power bat—yet, the only significant additions were outfielders JJ Bleday, with a .698 OPS last year, and Dane Myers, with a .617 OPS. These moves hardly shift the needle for a team desperately needing impactful offensive firepower.
There were reports of a pursuit for Kyle Schwarber, a local favorite from Middletown, but it’s widely understood that he re-signed with Philadelphia for five years and $150 million. The Reds reportedly offered about $130 million—a figure that seems more like a public relations gesture than a serious bid, especially since they seemingly never intended to meet or surpass the Phillies’ offer. If they truly had that much to spend, why wasn’t some of it allocated to other needs?
It’s almost inevitable to see these moves as strategic PR rather than meaningful roster upgrades. Claiming they offered the largest contract in franchise history to De La Cruz, without disclosing specific numbers, feels more like an attempt to placate fans than a sign of genuine commitment. The truth is, De La Cruz’s agent, Scott Boras, will almost certainly take his client to free agency in 2030, making any “record” offer more symbolic than a firm promise of long-term investment.
The Reds know their fan base is growing restless. Since their last playoff series victory in 1995, the team has been stuck in a cycle of missed opportunities and second-chance appearances. Running back essentially the same offense next season is a risky gamble that might not pay off.
In the end, the franchise seems content to hope for improvement rather than actually pushing for it, which speaks volumes about their priorities. The question remains: are they satisfied with just creating buzz and managing perceptions, or are they genuinely committed to building a contender? Fans and critics alike are left to wonder—will Cincinnati truly make the bold moves necessary, or is this season just another chapter in a pattern of missed opportunities? What’s your take—do you believe the Reds are genuinely trying to contend, or are they just riding a wave of public relations to cover up a lack of decisive action?
