Reds roster decisions are making their long-term strategy impossible to ignore

The Cincinnati Reds added two players to the roster over the weekend. Just hours after signing former first-round pick JJ Bleday to a free agent deal, the Reds swung a trade with the Miami Marlins for outfielder Dane Myers. Both Bleday and Myers are expected to play a role on next year's team, but neither outfielder brings the type of power the Reds' lineup desperately needs.

Though neither acquisition will bring much in terms of pop, Bleday's arm and Myers' speed and range make both players quality defenders on the outfield grass. The Reds coaching staff put quite the emphasis on defense last season, and these two additions will only accentuate Cincinnati's fixation.

While having a team centered around defense and pitching isn't the worst strategy, assembling such a roster when you play half your games at a launching pad like Great American Ball Park is highly questionable. But if Cincinnati fails to make any meaningful upgrades to the lineup, that's exactly the type of blueprint the Reds seem to be following.

The Reds seem to be focused on pitching and defense — which is a bold strategy

The Reds defense was among the worst in league in 2024 with -30 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -15 outs above average (OAA). Last season, however, Cincinnati made marked improvements in both categories. As a team, the Reds were worth 2 DRS and 2 OAA — and that was with Elly De La Cruz leading the league in errors.

Late last summer, the Reds made the bold decision to add former Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Widely viewed as one of the best defenders in the league, Hayes won his second Gold Glove in 2025. The Reds also saw tremendous defensive strides from Spencer Steer at first base. Matt McLain is a plus-defender at the keystone, and even with all the errors, De La Cruz can be a difference maker at shortstop.

The Reds moved Noelvi Marte to the outfield midway through last season, in part because he was a sub-par defender at third base. But Cincinnati's coaching staff also loves his athleticism and believes he can be an above-average defender in right field. He proved as much with his season-saving robbery of Bryan Reynolds during the final homestand of the season.

With Bleday, Myers, TJ Friedl, Will Benson (and maybe even Blake Dunn) all vying for time in the outfield, Cincinnati's defense has the potential to be one of the best in the league. When you pair that with a top-tier pitching staff like the Reds have, it's easy to see why there's reason for optimism.

But even with the elite-level of starting pitching and improved outfield defense, Cincinnati could still use a middle-of-the-order bat to help protect De La Cruz while also accounting for 30-plus homers in 2026. Their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber would seem to indicate the Reds' front office is aware of the need, but to date, they've done little to address it.