Where Does This Team Go Next?
I know it's not just me that recognizes this 2026 team is a major organizational breaking point. Or they should notice, but the front office is inept so maybe it's not as obvious to us all (looking at you Krall).
So my question is, where does this team go next? I say they need to tear it all down. It's going to be painful, but the Reds have to have a firesale. The only two I would make untouchable are Burns and Stewart. Lock them immediately and build around them - one pitcher, one hitter. Everyone else? For sale.
For whatever reason, the team has a track record of prospects coming up and having initial success, but then badly regressing. It feels like an organizational issue - one that requires more than just on-field players. The org needs more talent everywhere. Player development, scouting, analytics, medical, etc. Whatever philosophy they have, it's clearly not working and hasn't for some time.
"It's just a classic example of ownership using organizations as profit," former Reds and current Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos said. "When there are no consequences for losing, you're not held accountable for your performance. What sucks is in a great city like Cincinnati where the fan base is impeccable, it's suffocating," Castellanos said, "because of ownership. I'm not saying that they are bad people. The system is bad."
It's never good when your organization is being shit on by former players. Who around he game legitimately has anything good to say about the Reds as an Front Office? That's a systemic issue.
Baseball is a game of adjustments and the Reds need to make an adjustment in order to stay relevant. Ideally the team would be sold, but that's not going to happen. There's no credible info that the Castellini's are even exploring this. "Championship baseball" was promised to the city when they bought the team, but it's been over a decade since our last real contender. The team hasn't won a playoff series in 30 years. That's fucking embarrassing. The Castellini's should be as red-faced as one of their tomatoes, but they feel no shame because they aren't serious about winning.
If Phil actually gives a shit, the adjustment he needs to make is to tear everything down to the roots and start over. The Reds need a full housecleaning. Krall needs to be 100% be gone at the very least, but nobody in the org should be safe. Everyone, top to bottom, needs to be re-evaluated. Both the pitching and hitting philosophy needs a complete 180. Dump Valaika and Johnson.
Yes, Johnson too. I think he's done a good job overall during his tenure, but his time has passed. Our young guys can't string consistent success together and nobody on the team can throw strikes. The walks this year have absolutely been inexcusable.
The team simply does not have enough talent to win, and unfortunately the upper minor leagues aren't stacked. Our best prospect is Duno who just got called up to AA. He's at least a full season away, if not more. The closest prospect with the best potential is Hector Rodriguez at AAA but his profile comes with major questions. Our best prospects are in the lower levels, and we're mediocre there too.
Trade candidates - Suarez, Burke, Lowe, Ferguson, Singer, Johnson, Stephenson. These guys aren't going to bring back premium prospects, but they all have to go. Restock the minors with quantity over quality here and hope a few of the prospects hit.
Steer is who he is at this point. A utility guy who doesn't hit enough for a full time roster spot. Friedl looks washed at the age of 30. McClain is never going to be 2023 McClain again. Lodolo isn't worth the money he'll command with his inconsistency. Ashcraft is an adventure. I could go on, but if you wanna debate other players I'm happy to in the comments.
Now, for our two largest assets. Greene can't stay healthy and isn't going to help the team win before his contract expires. He'd fetch some good, close to major league ready prospects.
The albatross here is Elly. They won't do this because they need to sell bobbleheads, but trading him would command a premium price. It's a bold, aggressive move that they need to do. Elly isn't going to be on field with a winner before he's a FA, and there's no way the Reds will pay him anyways. Trade him now and get a huge package. That's the biggest move I see that will help the reds shorten the length of their rebuild. So far I don't think he's worth the $250 million (probably being conservative) that he would command on the market. Let another team in desperation, win-now mode give up a huge haul. It would be a miracle to see the Reds win a trade for once.
I could go on, but this is the most attention I've paid to this team in 8 weeks and I'm tired boss.
