The Reds have 'exceeded expectations' in a poll of MLB executives originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After sneaking into the playoffs last season thanks to the New York Mets' collapse (28-37 after the All-Star break), the Cincinnati Reds look good to start 2026. With an 18-10 record and leading the National League Central, the Reds look like they can make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2011 and 2012.
The Reds had a rather quiet offseason after failing to sign designated hitter and hometown kid Kyle Schwarber. Instead of Schwarber, the Reds turned to acquire infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed third baseman Eugenio Suarez in free agency.
Sadly, Lux and Suarez haven't been enough to take the offense to the next level, as they are dead last in team average (.213) and 25th in OPS (.686). To add insult to injury, the Reds will be without Suarez for some time, as he is on the injured list with a left oblique strain.
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In a poll of Major League Baseball executives by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Reds received the second-most votes (three) for how well they've done to start this season. Even losing their ace, right-hander Hunter Greene, has not stopped the Reds' rotation from treading water (20th in team ERA, 4.48).
One American League executive noted how well the bullpen had been for the Reds, as it has “exceeded expectations.”
“The bullpen is exceeding expectations early and putting them in position to win a lot of close games,” an AL exec said. “Even with a number of their hitters off to slow starts, they are just finding a way to get it done.”
The Reds' bullpen is second in Major League Baseball in ERA (2.91) and is tied with the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals for fourth in saves (10). Closer Emilio Pagan has recorded six of the Reds' 10 saves and is tied for sixth in baseball for saves.
Despite the offense as a whole not doing great, infielder Sal Stewart has been a marvel to watch. The 22-year-old is hitting .291 with a .987 OPS and leads MLB in RBI (29).
One National League executive noted to Feinsand how “impressive” Stewart’s start has been.
“Everyone knows Stewart was a highly touted prospect,” an NL executive said. “But for him to make an immediate impact like he has this year is quite impressive.”
With Greene not expected back until July, the Reds will need to hold their own until his return. If the Reds really want to show other teams they mean business this season, adding to the offense at the trade deadline is a must.
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