3 Reds players primed for a breakout in 2026 and 2 who've run out of chances

Every year baseball fans see a handful of players who finally put it all together and enjoy a break season in the big leagues. Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott did just that in 2025. The crafty lefty started 29 games, posted a 2.87 ERA, racked up nearly 150 punch outs, en route to his first All-Star Game.

On the other hand, there's always a few stragglers who never realize their true potential, and after years of patience, finally fall by the wayside. Former Reds like Nick Senzel and Robert Stephenson are good examples of that.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, which three Reds players are poised to break out, and who may've already ruined their chances to make their mark?

3 Reds players primed for a breakout in 2026

Sal Stewart, Reds infielder

Sal Stewart had a cup of coffee with the Reds in 2025, and made quite an impression during the month of September. The team's top prospect, Stewart smacked five round-trippers in just 55 at-bats last season and posted 121 OPS+.

Though it's unknown at the moment where Stewart will line up defensively, his bat has always been his carrying tool. If Cincinnati fails to make any meaningful upgrades to the roster this winter, Stewart could be counted upon to bring some much needed thump to the Reds lineup in 2026.

Noelvi Marte, Reds outfielder

No one ever doubted Noelvi Marte's God-given abilities. His smooth swing and above-average speed had many scouts envisioning him as a potential 20-20 player. But those expectations fell apart in 2024 after Marte was suspended for the first 80 games of the season. His subpar performance over the second-half had many fans wondering what was next for the former top prospect.

Thankfully, Marte turned things around in 2025. He walloped 14 home runs and slugged .448, and also moved from third base to the outfield. The Reds view Marte as a natural athlete, and if his defense improves, he could become a key piece of the roster next season.

Chase Burns, Reds pitcher

Many scouts and pundits expected to see Chase Burns debut at some point last season, but most assumed they wouldn't see him until September. But Burns' utter dominance in the minor leagues, coupled with a handful of injuries to the starting rotation, allowed the fireballer to make his big-league debut in June.

A midseason injury pushed Burns into the bullpen during the second-half of the season, but he's expected to compete for a starting spot this spring. It'll be interesting to see what type of innings restriction the Reds place on Burns in 2026, but when he is on the mound, fans are expecting exciting things from their 22-year-old flamethrower.

2 Reds players who've run out of chances heading into 2026

Will Benson, Reds outfielder

Time is running out for Will Benson to make a meaningful impact with the Reds. Last season, Benson spent a good chunk of time at Triple-A, and even when he was with the big-league ball club, acted as little more than a fourth outfielder.

The Reds' recent acquisitions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers (and top prospect Hector Rodriguez) will have Benson in need of a strong spring performance in order to break camp with the Reds. Benson has some loud tools, but inconsistent play has dogged the former first-round pick throughout his professional career, and could be his ultimate undoing.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder

As disappointed as Reds fans were with Matt McLain in 2025, Christian Encarnacion-Strand's performance may have been even worse. After missing almost a full season with a wrist injury in 2024, Encarnacion-Strand struggled to find meaningful at-bats at the big league level last season.

Another injury sidelined him for a period of time last summer, and after failing miserably upon his return in mid-July, Encarnacion-Strand was optioned back to Triple-A. Much like Benson, Encarnacion-Strand will need a strong showing this spring in order to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster.