Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 24, 2026

Spencer Steer's wrist surgery next week effectively ends any possibility of the Reds trading the utility player this offseason, as teams rarely acquire players recovering from complicated procedures. Steer has been sidelined since late July and is expected to return by spring training.

The Reds' organizational dysfunction continues to dominate the offseason conversation. Owner Bob Castellini and President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall are blaming each other for Cincinnati's failures, with Castellini questioning why the team cannot sustain success like Milwaukee while Krall points to trades ownership rejected. The Athletic reported a tense meeting where Castellini blocked proposals involving established players like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, though Krall remains responsible for questionable deals he completed, including acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes and trading Luis Castillo. The franchise finished last in the NL Central with a minus-160 run differential and ranks among baseball's worst in hitting, pitching, and defense.

Juan Brito's September breakout has positioned him as a candidate for the 2027 roster after posting a .341 average with three home runs over 15 games since his September 1 call-up. However, his significant struggles against right-handed pitchers, where he is hitting just .147, will need to be addressed before he can secure an everyday role. His versatility across multiple positions, particularly second base, provides insurance if Steer's recovery extends beyond spring training.

The Reds defeated Atlanta on Thursday night to win the series, with Elly De La Cruz hitting his 30th home run of the season and moving one stolen base away from joining the exclusive 30-30 club. Hector Rodriguez provided the go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning as Cincinnati rallied from a 4-1 deficit. Hunter Greene's Tommy John surgery in August will sideline him for all of 2027, further complicating the team's plans to contend next season, though manager Terry Francona is expected to return for his third year.