3 Reds players heating up at perfect time ahead of 2025 MLB playoffs

The Cincinnati Reds are back in the postseason for the first time since 2020. While their Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers is far from ideal, the Reds starting rotation of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott gives Cincinnati a good chance to pull off the upset.

But if the Reds are going to take down the defending World Champions, they're going to need some of their hottest players to keep playing at a high level once postseason play begins. These three Reds were riding hot streaks heading into October, and Cincy needs them to keep it up.

3 Reds players heating up at perfect time ahead of 2025 MLB playoffs

Elly De La Cruz, Reds shortstop

After the All-Star break, Elly De La Cruz was hitting just .227/.280/.329 through September 14. Terry Francona made the bold (and necessary) decision to bump De La Cruz down in the batting order. Ever since that time, Cincinnati's superstar has shown new life at the plate.

Tito moved De La Cruz all the way down to No. 7 in the lineup back on September 15, and he posted a .279/.404/.535 slash line with three home runs, a 17.3% walk rate, and a 158 wRC+ over the Reds' final 13 games. If Cincinnati hopes to advance in the playoffs, that's the version of De La Cruz the Reds need in the lineup.

Spencer Steer, Reds infielder

Spencer Steer's playing time has been up and down ever since Sal Stewart made his Major League debut earlier this month. Francona has been trying to give Steer (who's been battling a quad injury) some added rest, while also giving the rookie an adequate amount of playing time. But over the final two weeks of the 2025 regular season, Francona leaned heavily on Steer's bat.

The Reds first baseman is hitting just .243 over the last 11 games, but his power numbers during that stretch have been among the best on the team. Steer owns a .595 slugging percentage and has four homers and 11 RBI over his last 37 plate appearances. Combine that with an above-average glove, and Reds fans know that Steer will be key to the Reds' hopes of advancing in the playoffs.

Connor Phillips, Reds pitcher

Connor Phillips has been the most effective pitcher on the Reds roster over the final month of the regular season. The right-hander adjusted his pitching motion — lowering his glove upon delivery in order to see his target — and the change has worked wonders.

Since returning to the active roster this month, Phillips has made 12 appearances out of the Reds bullpen and has 19 punch outs over 14⅓ innings of work. He's walked just five batters and owns a minuscule 0.56 WHIP during that stretch. The Reds will need a reliable arm (or two) late in games, and Phillips fits the bill.

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