Cincinnati Reds News Roundup — September 25, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds' season ended with Elly De La Cruz joining the exclusive 30-30 club, but the accomplishment was overshadowed by a bullpen collapse that cost them a game against Toronto. De La Cruz became only the fourth player in franchise history to record 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season, and just the second Red since Barry Larkin in 1996 to add 30 doubles to that total. The loss exemplified the team's larger problems: their bullpen gave up four runs in the seventh inning after the Reds held a 5-2 lead, with Luis Mey and Pierce Johnson combining for the decisive damage.

The Reds finished 74-85 in last place in the NL Central, a position that reflects genuine weakness rather than misfortune. Their run differential of minus-159 ranks among the worst in baseball, and their offensive output ranked 27th despite 211 home runs, indicating struggles with situational hitting and baserunning. The pitching staff performed poorly across the board, with starters ranking 28th in ERA and relievers 25th, suggesting comprehensive roster deficiencies rather than isolated problems.

Multiple outlets reported that internal conflict between general manager Nick Krall and owner Bob Castellini has hampered the organization's direction. According to reporting cited by Redleg Nation, Krall proposed a prospect-development and strategic-trading approach similar to successful small-market teams like the Brewers and Rays, but Castellini rejected these proposals in favor of short-term major league competitiveness. This disagreement extended to specific personnel decisions: when Krall reportedly wanted to acquire pitcher Nick Martinez with available funds, ownership directed the team toward offensive upgrades instead, resulting in the Eugenio Suárez signing.

The offseason will require significant roster overhaul. Chase Burns emerged as a bright spot with a 15-3 record and 2.86 ERA while signing a seven-year extension, and Emilio Pagán led the league in saves after returning from injury. However, the team will need to address its deficiencies across the lineup, rotation, and bullpen. The crowded middle infield, featuring De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Juan Brito, and Oswaldo Cabrera, may lead to Edwin Arroyo being traded as a package piece to acquire bullpen help.