Reds' 2026 season hinges on Elly De La Cruz and harsh reality that must be confronted

It's now or never for the Cincinnati Reds. That statement might seem a little exaggerated to some, but to hardcore Reds fans, they know it's the truth.

Cincinnati has been knocking on the door since the arrival of Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Andrew Abbott in 2023. The Reds, led by their young core, finally broke through and made it to the postseason last season. Now, it's time to take that next step and win a playoff series.

The Reds backed into the final NL Wild Card spot in 2025 and were quickly shown the door by the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a step in the right direction for a franchise that hadn't been to the playoffs in a 162-game season since 2013. But getting there is only half the battle.

It's time for Elly De La Cruz to lead the Reds to a playoff series victory

The Reds haven't won a postseason series since 1995. That's essentially 31 years of futility, and it has to end. Cincinnati's core group of players can no longer use their youth and inexperience to skirt blame. Outside of rookie infielder Sal Stewart, every major contributor on this year's roster can be considered a veteran.

There can be no more excuses for De La Cruz and his cadre of talented teammates. If healthy, Elly should be front and center for the NL MVP conversation. Anything less is unacceptable. His God-given talents are head and shoulders above almost every player in the game not named Shohei Ohtani, and it's time for him to show it.

Last season, De La Cruz was slowed during the second-half by a leg injury. He's fully healthy now, and Terry Francona has no plans to run his shortstop into the ground like he did in 2025. Elly has no excuse not to produce a 30-30 season. And, if he can cut down on the strikeouts and make the routine plays at shortstop, he'll be a top-3 vote getter in the NL MVP race.

But all the hopes and dreams of the Reds players and fans can't rest solely on the shoulders of De La Cruz. He needs help. That's where McLain and Spencer Steer come in. Both players dealt with shoulder injuries in 2025 — McLain was still recovering following shoulder surgery, and Steer was severely restricted at the beginning of the year.

Both players had a healthy offseason and will be essential to the team's success in 2026. McLain has already cemented his spot ahead of De La Cruz in the lineup and looks primed for an All-Star campaign. Steer's versatility and leadership will be put to the test in 2026. After receiving praise as one the best defensive first baseman in the game in 2025, he'll now take on a super utility role for Cincinnati this season. Both players should have no problem accounting for 20-plus homers each.

Andrew Abbott will be counted on early to lead the Reds pitching staff

But if the Reds are going to make some noise in October, it'll be because the arms got them there. Though Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene will begin the year on the IL, both pitchers are expected to return at some point this season. Until then, Abbott will lead the charge. He was an All-Star in 2025 and received Opening Day honors from Francona. The stage is set for a big-time season.

Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder will be counted upon early, but neither pitcher can be the focal point of the Reds' pitching staff. If the Reds find success this season, it'll be because Abbott, Lodolo, Greene, and Brady Singer answered the bell.

The bullpen is arguably the Reds' biggest weakness heading into the season, but there are two young relievers who need to produce from start to finish. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft must stand out in 2026.

Santillan more than lived up to the billing last season. He made 80 appearances out of the Reds ' pen in 2025, but that can't the number he hits in 2026. Santillan needs to be more effective than durable this season. That doesn't mean the Reds can afford to lose him to injury, but too many times in 2025, he was called upon because there was no one Francona trusted. That has to change this season.

Ashcraft got his first taste of the bullpen in 2025, and it's time for him to take the next step in 2026. It was an up and down season for the right-hander, but the peripherals were off the charts. If Ashcraft can create more movement with his cutter, he might be unstoppable this coming season.

Adding Eugenio Suárez and Nathaniel Lowe to the lineup are tremendous upgrades for a team that lacked power a season ago. And Emilio Pagán and Pierce Johnson should be reliable arms Francona can turn to late in games. But if this team is going to have success in 2026, it'll be because the young core finally grew up.