Bengals contract extensions provide Reds with blueprint for Cincy's long-term success

There’s no shortage of excitement for sports fans in Cincinnati. With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a pivotal season, led by a new manager in Terry Francona, a proven winner.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have ignited even more enthusiasm by making bold financial moves—securing two of the NFL’s top wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, to continue working alongside their MVP-caliber quarterback, Joe Burrow.

For years, the Bengals made the mistake of letting elite talent walk out the door despite having the financial flexibility to keep them. Now, they’ve course-corrected, prioritizing stability and success by committing to extensions for their key playmakers. The Reds find themselves in a similar position, with a golden opportunity to build a sustainable contender by locking in their own rising stars before it’s too late.

Bengals contract extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provide Reds with blueprint

Enter Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. De La Cruz is a five-tool superstar on the verge of his arbitration years, while McLain—his dynamic middle infield counterpart—burst onto the scene in 2023 before a shoulder injury sidelined him for all of 2024. If this situation sounds familiar, it should.

The Reds' infield duo mirrors the Bengals' approach with Chase and Higgins. One undeniable superstar paired with an explosive, complementary talent. The Bengals faced a difficult decision: move one of their stars in a trade or go all-in and secure both for the future. They wisely chose the latter, handing Chase a four-year, $161 million deal and Higgins a four-year, $115 million extension, ensuring their offensive core remains intact for years to come.

The Reds must follow suit. Instead of waiting for arbitration to drive up the price, they should follow the example of the A’s with Lawrence Butler and extend De La Cruz and McLain now. Locking them in early not only secures the franchise’s future at a more team-friendly rate but also guarantees years of infield continuity—a crucial element for a team built on speed, defense, and power. With Hunter Greene already locked in until 2029, ensuring a reliable defensive duo behind him only strengthens the team’s long-term outlook.

It goes without saying that McLain still has work to do. After missing an entire season, he needs time to shake off the rust and re-establish himself as the dynamic player the Reds saw in 2023. But if he returns to form, it will only double down on the organization’s decision to move Jonathan India this offseason, fully committing to De La Cruz and McLain as their double-play tandem for the future.

Cincinnati sports are riding a wave of momentum, and the Reds and Bengals have a chance to keep the city buzzing year-round. By making proactive financial commitments now, they can solidify a championship-caliber core while fueling excitement, competition, and economic growth for the city’s sports scene. If the Reds are paying attention, they’ll recognize this as a rare opportunity to build something special. The blueprint is right in front of them.

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