The Reds finally got back to October in 2025 \u2014 83 wins, a Wild Card berth, and a reminder that this franchise should be better than \u201cHey, at least we tried.\u201d The problem? They weren\u2019t built to last in October. They couldn\u2019t hit enough when it mattered, and they spent most nights asking the pitching staff to be Houdini.<\/p>\n
2026 has to be the year Cincinnati stops being cute and starts being dangerous.<\/p>\n
1. Add a real middle-order bat.<\/p>\n
The Reds have athletes, energy, and speed. What they don\u2019t have is someone who terrifies a pitcher in the eighth inning.<\/a> That\u2019s why Kyle Schwarber <\/a>\u2014 born and raised just up the road in Middletown, Ohio \u2014 makes all the sense in the world. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 2. Untangle the position traffic jam.<\/p>\n Right now, the Reds are remixing roles every day like it\u2019s spring training \u2014 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati needs to decide \u2014 now \u2014 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 3. Reinforce the pitching staff.<\/p>\n