The Cincinnati Reds reached the postseason in 2025. It will be an uphill battle for them in 2026 given Hunter Greene’s injury — he is expected to be out until July — but Cincinnati could still compete. Regardless of whether or not they make the playoffs, the Reds have one specific thing to prove in 2026.

Cincinnati isn’t ready to make a World Series run yet. That is still a year or two away in all reality. The ball club is building a roster around a core of players. Those players need to continue to display improvement.

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The 2026 campaign has the potential to be a crucial building season for the Reds. No, not a rebuilding year, but a year where this team can take a step forward as a unit.

Will they reach the postseason again? It is possible, especially if Greene returns in July and pitches well down the stretch. Other young players who are part of the core need to display continued improvement this year.

Elly De La Cruz is already a two-time All-Star at only 24 years old. He has been inconsistent at times despite that fact. The Reds would love to see De La Cruz establish more consistency in his fourth MLB season.

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Matt McLain is a former top prospect who struggled a season ago. He displayed signs of the player he once was during 2026 spring training. McLain could be on the verge of a big year. The Reds need him to step up.

Pitchers such as Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo can take steps forward as well. They both performed well in 2025, but they need to prove that their performances were not their peaks. Improvement will be of the utmost importance.

The Reds’ core needs to prove that they have not reached their full potential. If Cincinnati is going to become a World Series contender within the next couple of years, it will begin with the players the Reds are building around. Sure, a big season from a veteran such as Eugenio Suarez would help, but it won’t matter for competitive reasons if the core does not perform well.

The future is bright for this Reds ball club. Terry Francona is one of the best managers when it comes to getting the most out of his players.

There is reason to believe the Reds’ core will outperform expectations in 2026.