Reds are playing like contenders and cellar dwellers at the same time

Are the Cincinnati Reds any good? Seriously, Terry Francona's club can't seem to put it all together for more than a game or two in a row. From 10-run innings to 24-run games to being shutout seven times, this edition of the Reds has been incredibly inconsistent. Following a smoking-hot five game win streak to finish out April, the Reds are 4-9 since and two games under .500.

After the lackluster start the Reds had to begin the decade, some fans may be pleased with the level of play Cincinnati has displayed through the first 40-plus games, but the Reds organization as a whole has been frustrating at best. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, the Reds have been shut out 23 times, only trailing the lowly Chicago White Sox during that timespan.

The optimism entering 2025 was sky-high and additions of Gavin Lux and Austin Hays provided hope for an improved offense. The Reds have scored the 8th most runs in baseball, and with a +24 run differential, should have better win-loss record.

Reds are playing like contenders and cellar dwellers at the same time

While the run total may be high, it doesn't paint the full picture. Including the seven shutout losses, the Reds have scored two runs or less 14 times this season, that's a pitiful 33% of the games Cincinnati has played this season. The Reglegs have also amassed nine performances with 8-plus runs scored, including 24 runs on April 24th against the Baltimore Orioles. It's been feast or famine for Cincinnati this season.

With the 12th ranked ERA among all MLB clubs, there is certainly opportunity for error amongst the offense, but no playoff team is this inconsistent. Unfortunately, injuries have certainly been a factor. Jake Fraley, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jeimer Candelario are all on the IL at the moment.

Despite those players who are out of action, the Reds lineup must produce. If the Reds are to bounce out of this rut, key contributors like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain must get untracked, which hasn't happened yet this season. This team has instead relied on likes of Jose Trevino, TJ Friedl, Gavin Lux and Austin Wynns to come up in big spots. But that can't continue, as none of those four are necessarily considered to be reliable assets.

If the Reds want to make a deep postseason run, health and consistency must be at the forefront. Other than Hunter Greene's recent injury, the rotation and bullpen has been strong, but cannot to be the sole source of success for the Reds this season. If the front office is serious about winning, a big trade acquisition may be required. Although costly, the roster certainly needs help if Nick Krall and Co. want to produce a winner in 2025.

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