2023 record: 82-80 (3rd in NL Central)

2024 record: 77-85 (4th in NL Central)

2025 record: 83-79 (3rd in NL Central)

Cincinnati snuck their way into the playoffs in 2025 on the strength of their pitching (and thanks in part to the Mets handing them the keys to the final Wild Card spot). Many of the key names on the pitching side of things will still be around in 2028, though they will lose a couple of rotation pieces in Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer, as well as closer Emilio Pagan, to free agency before the 2028 season rolls around. They do, however, have some intriguing names in their farm system that should be able to fill those gaps. Their bats will need to take another step forward, and a big part of that will fall squarely on the shoulders of Elly De La Cruz and whether or not he can ascend into true superstar territory. Other youngsters like Sal Stewart, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte will need to do their parts, too, and with a couple of bats coming off the books in Tyler Stephenson and Austin Hays, there will be at least a couple of non-debuted prospects who will need to step up. The NL Central won’t be an easy division to win, but with a few developmental successes, the Reds could keep themselves in the mix for at least a few playoff berths in the next few years.

2028 Lineups – Prospects Live

Offense

19th – .245/.315/.391 716 R, 167 HR, 677 RBI, 105 SB, 527 BB, 1415 K

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Kyle Sonntag

Kyle Sonntag

Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.