In the wake of a surprise playoff run in 2025, the Cincinnati Reds now face a high-stakes offseason filled with both potential and peril. Their unexpected emergence as contenders in the National League Central has brought a new urgency to solidifying the roster around their generational star, Elly De La Cruz. But instead of securing the future, the Reds may be watching it slip away.
Pitching Upgrade Signals Intent, But Reds Offense Still Lags Behind
The team recently made headlines with a three-team trade that added left-handed reliever Brock Burke to bolster the bullpen. By shipping infielder Gavin Lux and pitching prospect Chris Clark to Tampa Bay, the Reds have signaled their intent to stay in the hunt. But while their pitching took a step forward, the offense remains a glaring concern. Ranking just 19th in MLB with a .245 team batting average, Cincinnati simply isn’t giving De La Cruz enough help. And if the lineup doesn’t evolve, they may find themselves not only struggling in the standings but also without their franchise cornerstone.
De La Cruz Has Earned His Leverage, and He’s Using It
De La Cruz, only 24, has already built a resume most players dream of. Back-to-back All-Star nods, an MLB-leading 67 stolen bases in 2024, and a full 162-game slate in 2025 speak to his durability and explosiveness. His batting average improved to .264, his strikeouts dipped by nearly 40, and his OPS climbed, signs of a maturing hitter who could soon enter MVP territory. Yet, when the Reds approached with what would have been the richest deal in team history, surpassing Joey Votto’s decade-long $225 million pact, De La Cruz said no.
According to the president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, “That’s not where he is.” A vague but telling phrase. It suggests De La Cruz is weighing his options carefully, perhaps eyeing the open market or waiting to see if the Reds will become the kind of franchise worth committing to. He remains in the pre-arbitration phase, earning just $820,000 in 2026, a bargain for one of the league’s most electrifying talents. But his value will only rise, and every day without a deal makes a future departure more plausible.
Reds at a Crossroads: Lock Him Down or Risk Losing It All
For Cincinnati, the choice is clear: evolve or evaporate. They must decide if they’re willing to break from tradition and invest heavily in their homegrown star, or risk repeating a familiar cycle,cdevelop, dazzle, and ultimately deal. If the Reds want to compete with division foes like the Cubs and Brewers over the long term, retaining Elly De La Cruz isn’t optional. It’s foundational.
