3 things Reds fans are thankful for this year, and 2 that'll test their holiday cheer

Happy Thanksgiving, Reds Country! As you gather around the dining room table with your loved ones this holiday season, it's the perfect time to remember all the blessings you've received this past year and to give thanks.

Last year, Cincinnati Reds fans were thankful for their new manager, Terry Francona and a new direction for the franchise heading into 2025. But what three things are the Cincinnati faithful thankful for this year, and what two things are sure to bring the holiday cheer to a whisper?

3 things Reds fans are thankful for this year

Reds' return to the playoffs in 2025

For the first time since 2020 — and the first time in a 162-game season since 2013 — the Reds made it back to the postseason. While Cincinnati's playoff berth was due to the New York Mets' epic collapse, and their run was short-lived thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers' utter dominance, Reds fans finally saw their favorite team make it back to the postseason. The focus in 2026 will be not only duplicating that feat, but advancing in the tournament.

The Reds' talented farm system

The Reds continue to stockpile talented young players, some of whom debuted in 2025. Reds fans finally got to see Sal Stewart, Chase Burns, Luis Mey, and Zach Maxwell take the field last season, and all four are likely to be key contributors for Cincinnati in 2026. The next wave of young Reds talent is on the way with Cam Collier, Alfredo Duno, and Tyson Lewis all making noise in the minors last season.

A healthy Reds roster heading into the offseason

The Reds were already down two pitchers — Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar — heading into last season. Matt McLain was coming off a lost year, and both Spencer Steer and Rhett Lowder entered spring training with lingering injuries from the 2024 season. This winter, however, it appears as though the Reds roster is fully healthy. Williamson and Aguiar should be good to go next spring, Lowder got in plenty of work in the Arizona Fall League, and Tyler Callihan should be full-go come February.

2 things that will test Reds fans' holiday cheer

Reds unwillingness to increase spending in 2026

Despite returning to the playoffs and seeing an increase in attendance, the Reds ownership group has already put a cap on offseason spending. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has made it known that Cincinnati's payroll won't increase heading into next season, and that will surely torpedo any chance the team had of making a splash in free agency this offseason.

Lack of a power-hitter (with no solution in sight)

The Reds lacked power in 2025, and there are no internal options to change that heading into next season. Unless the Reds take a big swing in a trade for a power-hitter this offseason, it would seem that Cincinnati's brass will rely on Elly De La Cruz's continued ascent to superstar status and a bounce-back year from Matt McLain. That's a bold stratgey for a team that ranked 21st in homers last season despite playing half their game inside the launching pad that is Great American Ball Park.