Reds are doing something this spring they struggled with all last year

For much of the offseason, there was a lot of consternation as to whether or not the Cincinnati Reds would be able to add a big bat to bolster a lineup that was in desperate need of a power infusion. The return of Eugenio Suarez scratched that itch, but would it be enough?

The Reds finished 21st in the majors in both home runs (167) and slugging percentage (.391). Adding a 49-homer bat in Suarez was a big step, but with him being the only high-profile addition, there was still an unsolved variable.

Cincinnati also needed some of its young players to take a step forward. There's hope that with Suarez as protection, Elly De La Cruz could unlock a new gear. In addition, the club is hoping that Matt McLain's 2026 is more reminiscent of his rookie season than his 2025 follow-up. Improvement from Noelvi Marte would also be huge, and a full year of Sal Stewart in the lineup could be a real X-factor.

Until spring training games got underway, this was all a theoretical exercise. But now that we have a representative sample, we're looking at the best-case scenario unfolding before our very eyes. Through the Reds first 15 games, they've hit 29 homers, good for first among all Major League teams this spring.

Reds' spring slugfest could 2025's biggest weakness into a strength

It's not just the long ball, either. Cincinnati has the best slugging percentage in the league at .525. The offense is looking legitimately potent, which is a big step forward from the periods of stagnation we saw last season.

Perhaps the most encouraging part is who is doing the slugging. McLain is tied for the lead in the majors with four dingers this spring. A return to form from him could further unlock De La Cruz and the rest of the lineup.

Speaking of De La Cruz, he has a 1.330 OPS so far. Stewart has wowed his veteran teammates and is fueling rookie of the year buzz, all while slashing .318/.423/.636 this spring. Even cost-effective additions like JJ Bleday (.953 OPS) and Dane Myers (1.315 OPS) have impressed this spring.

If there's been one player who hasn't hit so far this spring, it has been Suarez with a .154/.267/.385 line. For a veteran with his track record, that doesn't concern you much. He's also currently with Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

You never want to put too much stock into small sample sizes, and that goes double for spring training when players are tinkering with things and still rounding into shape, but it's hard not to be encouraged by the power eruption this spring. We'll have to see how things go once the games start to count, but so far, it looks like the Reds are well-positioned for a massive improvement in 2026.