Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 23, 2026

The Reds' defensive struggles have become their most pressing problem, with the team ranking last in baseball in defensive runs saved at minus-40 despite manager Terry Francona's emphasis on improvement and the acquisition of elite defender Ke'Bryan Hayes at last year's deadline. The fundamental issue is structural: their best defenders like Hayes and Matt McLain struggle offensively and are difficult to keep in the lineup, while replacing them would only worsen the defense further. This defensive liability persists even as the team ranks 20th in fielding percentage and 11th in errors.

The Reds face significant roster uncertainty heading into 2027, with multiple key players requiring surgery and several acquisitions failing to produce. Spencer Steer and Tony Santillan will both undergo procedures next week, with Steer expected back for spring training but Santillan's timeline unclear. Hunter Greene will miss the entire 2027 season following Tommy John surgery, and Brady Singer enters free agency, leaving Brandon Williamson as a potential rotation piece after his strong recent performance. The organization's recent trade deadline acquisitions continue to disappoint, with Victor Acosta released and TJ Friedl designated for assignment after batting .172 this season.

General Manager Nick Krall's roster construction has drawn particular scrutiny, as the Reds currently have five of baseball's nine worst hitters by wRC+, with Krall acquiring four of them through trades. Ke'Bryan Hayes ranks as the worst hitter in baseball at 17 wRC+, while the team also features Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, and Jose Trevino among the league's worst offensive performers. Hayes and Trevino remain under contract for next season with a combined 12.25 million dollars in salary.

On the field, the Reds lost to Atlanta 3-2 in 10 innings on Wednesday despite a competitive pitching performance from Andrew Abbott, who allowed two runs over seven innings. Elly De La Cruz remains one home run and one stolen base away from joining baseball's exclusive 30-30 club with five games remaining in the season, having posted a 6.5 fWAR that ranks third in the majors.