Reds fans needn't look too far to find hope for deflating start to 2025 season

The pervading sense of optimism that surrounded the Cincinnati Reds through the offseason and into spring training — in large part thanks to the arrival of manager Terry Francona — has burst. As of April 9, Cincinnati stands at 5-7, having dropped 3-of-4 against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and squeaking out back-to-back shutout wins over the San Francisco Giants on Monday and Tuesday. An inauspicious start.

Things could be worse. The Reds hold two of the five worst starts in MLB history, but it seems unlikely that the current team will match either of those records. Things could also get better. The Reds need only look as far as New York to find an answer for their current woes.

As bad as the Reds’ start has been, better times could be on the way

As late as June 11, 2024, the New York Mets sat 17 ½ games out of first place in one of the most difficult divisions in baseball. At that point, they had lost nine one-run ball games (also the Achilles’ heel of the 2024 and 2025 Reds).

From that point on, though, they went 61-36 in a Grimace-inspired turnaround for the ages. The Reds have a real opportunity to emulate the Mets, but they need to closely follow New York’s model. In order to turn the season around, Cincinnati must win close games, shake up its roster, and believe in itself.

By the end of May, the Mets knew they had to do something with Brett Baty. The third baseman had just five hits over his previous 45 plate appearances and had struck out 16 times. New York decided to ride the hot bat of Mark Vientos and send Baty to Triple-A. The Reds have a similar opportunity (or rather, duty) when it comes to Jake Fraley.

The Reds also need to bear down during close games and against division rivals. Between June 11 and July 31, the Mets went 8-1 in one-run games. Over the same span, they went 11-7 against NL East teams. The Reds have been 1-4 in one-run games and got manhandled by the Brewers.

Most importantly, though, the Reds need to find their team identity. The Mets built up a mythos that involved a player-penned rap song, a McDonalds mascot, and an Italian greyhound. Cincinnati needs that type of swagger in order to follow in New York's footsteps.

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