3 Reds players desperate to bounce back and earn Silver Slugger respect in 2026

The Cincinnati Reds struck out during this year's Silver Slugger Awards. Even Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz missed out on the action. The Reds had two finalists in 2024 (De La Cruz and Jonathan India) but haven't had a Silver Slugger Award winner since Nick Castellanos took home the honors in 2021.

Once the MLB calendar officially flips to the offseason, fans are hoping to see Nick Krall and the Reds front office address the team's lack of offensive production — either through trades of free agency. While Krall should certainly look to bring in an extra bat or two, it's also worth pointing out that several players produced well below expectations in 2025.

Excluding De La Cruz, who endured a rough stretch from mid-July through mid-September, there were at least three other underperforms who could return to form in 2026 and gain Silver Slugger recognition next season.

3 Reds players who could earn a Silver Slugger nomination in 2026

Spencer Steer, Reds infielder/ outfielder

Even if Spencer Steer was fully healthy for the entire season (which he wasn't), it would've been difficult for him to crack the top-3 Silver Slugger Award nominations at first base. It's tough to argue the trio of Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, and Freddie Freeman. But the Silver Slugger hands outs awards out to the top utility player as well, a role that Steer may take on in 2026.

After dealing with shoulder and leg injuries, the Reds are hoping to see a healthy version of Steer in 2026 — similar to the one who closed out the 2025 season on quite a tear. During the month of September, Steer hit .255/.369/.509 with a 141 wRC+. If the 27-year-old can carry that level of play over to next season, he'll definitely be in the Silver Slugger conversation, regardless of the position he plays.

Noelvi Marte, Reds outfielder

Noelvi Marte was not even on the Reds' radar during spring training. After a horrendous showing in 2024, Marte was relegated to the minor leagues to begin his 2025 campaign. Once he received a second chance, however, the Reds former top prospect made sure a return trip to the minors was not in his future.

Marte's 2025 campaign was interrupted by an oblique injury, and that slowed the progression he'd made during the early-part of the season. Once Marte was moved from the infield dirt to the outfield grass, however, his bat came alive once again. A full offseason in the outfield could help propel the Reds' budding star into the Silver Slugger discussion next season.

Matt McLain, Reds second baseman

No one expected Matt McLain to have the type of season he did in 2025. After being sidelined for the entire 2024 season after first a shoulder injury and then an oblique strain, McLain returned to the field during the Arizona Fall League and looked las though he was poised to contribute in 2025. Instead, he posted a horrendous .220/.300/.343 slash line and never looked anywhere close to the type of player Reds fans saw during his rookie campaign.

There's reason to believe, however, that with a healthy offseason, McLain can return to his 2023 form. He was tracking toward Rookie of the Year status that season, and much of the hype was due to his bat. While McLain's glove never let him down in 2025, Reds fans are expecting more on the offensive side in 2026. Such a bounce-back performance could see McLain receive Silver Slugger recognition.