Cincinnati Reds NEGLECT Lineup and RISK Entering 2026 in a Worse Spot than 2025

Cincinnati Reds’ off-season flops spark concern—has hope become their main strategy for 2026? Steve and Jeff break down why the Reds’ lineup remains stagnant after missing out on Kyle Schwarber and failing to replace lost production from Austin Hays and Miguel Andujar. They debate if bolstering the bullpen alone can offset the team’s offensive woes, and question Nick Krall’s approach as Reds fans brace for another year of below-average run support. Key topics feature Brady Singer's potential trade as a means to open payroll for impact hitters like Eugenio Suárez or Rhys Hoskins, the lingering outfield power gap, and the uncertainty surrounding Tyler Stephenson’s future as starting catcher. Should the Reds get creative or stick to bargain-bin signings? The episode closes with a look at how roster decisions now could shape Cincinnati’s just-out-of-reach playoff ambitions. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-reds/ https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnReds?sub_confirmation=1 Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Inside the Reds!https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/ Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/STMcRDyMCt For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   0:00 — Reds Offseason: Better or Worse?10:59 — Trade & Free Agent Solutions22:25 — Tyler Stephenson & Catcher Future Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Reds #CincinnatiReds #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.