Reds new home run celebration could be subtle hint to Cincy's owner Bob Castellini

It took an extra game, but the Cincinnati Reds finally debuted their new home run celebration over the weekend. After going o-fer during Opening Day last Thursday, the Reds bats finally woke and sent a few balls over the fence during the final two games of their opening series against the San Francisco Giants.

Last year, the Reds retired the viking helmet midway through the season and took their celebration down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse. Quite frankly, this was the most underwhelming of any of the home run celebrations throughout Major League Baseball — and that includes the Minnesota Twins' repulsive rally sausage.

Cincinnati's new home run celebration for 2025 features a cash cannon/ money gun that dispenses numerous fake dollar bills. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, and Austin Wynns all received a shower of dollar bills after the trio each launched their first homer of the season over the weekend. McLain actually rocked two round-trippers.

Reds new home run celebration could be subtle hint to Cincy's owner Bob Castellini

Though the Reds celebration is actually an homage to manager Terry Francona (who loves to play cards in the clubhouse), perhaps Cincinnati's ownership group could take a hint. With so many young players who are still pre-arbitration eligible — most of whom are perceived to be part of the Reds nucleus moving forward — maybe it's time for Bob Castellini to open his wallet.

In fact, two of the three players who smashed a homer against the Giants should be near the top of the list. Both McLain and Encarnacion-Strand, if healthy, are difference-makers in the Reds lineup. De La Cruz is another player who should be on the Reds' shortlist, but many experts and pundits are predicting that Cincinnati's superstar shortstop won't sign his next contract until he reaches free agency after the 2029 season. Elly De La Cruz got his first taste after smashing two homers on Monday night versus the Texas Rangers.

A few others like Tyler Stephenson, Spencer Steer, and Nick Lodolo could be in line for contract extension sometime this season or next, and the Reds may want to consider trying to lock up some of their young pitching talent. Andrew Abbott, and even Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns should all be under consideration for a long-term deal in the future.

At the moment, only two players (Hunter Greene and Jose Trevino) are signed beyond next season. It's high time the Reds' ownership group start handing out some real cash.

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