The Cincinnati Reds enter 2026 looking to build on last season’s playoff appearance. The front office prioritized internal depth development and cost-effective depth this winter in hopes that they can fill specific gaps rather than make massive blockbuster expenditures. Their most notable acquisition was bringing back Eugenio Suarez, on a 1-year deal, in hopes he can re-capture the All Star form he had his first go-around.
The Reds will need his bat to establish a more consistent and stabilized lineup. If Cincinnati makes noise in October, it will be on the backs of their starting pitching as the rotation is the team’s biggest strength. If their young stars take a collective step forward and the bullpen can secure leads generated by a top tier rotation, the Reds have the potential to get back into the playoffs.
Lineup
The Reds lineup is defined by a mix of established young stars and several players looking to bounce back from underwhelming seasons. After a solid season that included 22 homeruns, 86 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases, Elly De La Cruz has established himself as the undisputed centerpiece. Suarez returns for what the Reds are hoping will be “lineup protection” as he still provides significant power, along with the ability to play multiple positions (1B/3B/DH) allowing the team to shift other players around based upon matchups.
Matt McLain returns after struggling through an injury plagued past few seasons as the Reds hope he can return to his 2023 form to provide a massive boost to the middle of the order. TJ Friedle as showcased a keen ability to get on base and set the table for a team that relies on aggression on the basepaths. Much of the projected success hinges on whether players like Spencer Steer and Ke’Bryan Hayes can improve upon their 2025 offensive outputs.
Rotation
The pitching staff, which was intended to be a major strength, is currently navigating significant adversity. Hunter Greene, the staff ace, is expected to be sidelined until at least July as he’s expected to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to remove bone chips and loose bodies from his right elbow. Greene’s absence leaves a significant void at the top of the staff. With Greene unavailable, Andew Abbott has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter and has established himself has a reliable thrower who will be tasked with leading the staff in the early going. Brady Singer, acquired last season, provides stability and experience the rotation needs, especially while the younger arms continue their development. Nick Lodolo remains a lock for the rotation, but his consistency and health will be paramount to keeping the Reds competitive; especially while Greene is out.
Bullpen
The Reds’ bullpen enters 2026 as a unit that has gone through a rebuild. After finishing in the middle of the pack in 2025, the front office made deliberate moves to address the lack of reliable depth, aiming to create a more consistent bridge to the closer. After a standout 2025 season, Emilio Pagan was re-signed to a 2 year deal with hopes to build off his 32 saves season. Tony Santillan was a workhorse for the team last season and his expected to continue into a high leverage role; especially if Pagan falters. Graham Ashcraft is transitioning from the rotation to the bullpen and despite a bloated ERA from 2025, the Reds are hoping his powerful arm is capable of handling multi-inning stints if needed on a consistent basis. Pierce Johnson was a significant off-season addition who brings a unique look with a curveball that provides a sharp contract to the typical sinker/slider-heavy profiles of his teammates.
Projected Lineup
- TJ Friedl – CF
- Matt McClain – 2B
- Elly De La Cruz – SS
- Eugenio Suarez – DH
- Spencer Steer – 1B
- Sal Stewart – LF
- Tyler Stephenson – C
- Noelvi Marte – RF
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
Projected Rotation
- Andrew Abbott
- Brady Singer
- Nick Lodolo
- Chase Burns
- Rhett Lowder
Projected Bullpen
- Emilio Pagan – Closer
- Tony Santillan – Setup
- Graham Ashcraft
- Pierce Johnson
- Caleb Ferguson
- Brock Burke
Manager: Terry Francona (2nd season)
Projection: 78-84 (4th in the NL Central)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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