TORONTO — The Cincinnati Reds closed the 2026 season by losing two of three games to the Toronto Blue Jays, finishing 75-87 and last in the National League Central.
Toronto rallied for a 6-5 victory Friday in the series opener, scoring four runs in the seventh inning. Nathan Lukes delivered the go-ahead single. Elly De La Cruz stole his 30th base of the season, joining the 30-home run, 30-steal club and becoming just the fourth player in Reds history to accomplish the feat.
Cincinnati answered Saturday with a 5-1 victory behind Rhett Lowder, who allowed three hits while pitching six scoreless innings. JJ Bleday gave the Reds an early lead with a solo home run, while Héctor Rodríguez added a two-run triple.
Toronto won the finale 5-1 Sunday behind Max Scherzer, who struck out seven over seven-plus innings to earn his 225th career victory. Brandon Valenzuela and Charles McAdoo homered for the Blue Jays.
The Reds finished 75-87, a year after going 83-79 and earning the final National League wild-card spot. Cincinnati went 29-18 against American League opponents but struggled against National League teams, finishing 46-68.
The offseason now brings several roster decisions for the Reds, including potential changes to the pitching staff and decisions involving free agents and contract options.
Starting pitcher Brady Singer, catcher Tyler Stephenson and reliever Brock Burke are among the players headed toward free agency. Cincinnati also has mutual options involving third baseman Eugenio Suárez and reliever Pierce Johnson, while closer Emilio Pagán has a player option for 2027.
The Reds also must account for the loss of Hunter Greene from next year’s rotation. Greene underwent his second Tommy John surgery in August and is expected to miss the 2027 season, leaving Cincinnati without one of its primary starters.
Nick Lodolo is expected to remain part of the rotation, but the Reds will need to address the additional innings created by Greene’s absence.
Cincinnati also faces decisions involving its young infield. Matt McLain returned late in the season after missing time with a calf injury, while top prospect Edwin Arroyo received his first opportunity in the majors. With several young infielders competing for playing time, the Reds could use the offseason to determine their long-term alignment while also evaluating whether that depth can be used to address other needs.
The Reds will enter the offseason looking to improve a roster that finished 12 games below .500 after making the postseason one year earlier.