Reds got another reminder that the small-market excuse is dead

The Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays have proven that small-market teams can compete without massive payrolls, challenging Cincinnati Reds leadership to abandon excuses for poor performance. The Brewers and Rays built their top-seeded rosters primarily through trades rather than free agency, while Cleveland developed most of its roster internally. The Reds have spent nearly $24 million on free agents Eugenio Suárez, JJ Bleday, Michael Toglia, and Pierce Johnson for minimal return, suggesting they should instead focus on acquiring undervalued trade pieces and developing prospects like Alfredo Duno, Cam Collier, and Tyson Lewis.

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