The Cincinnati Reds are finally hitting the ball hard
Tyler Stephenson leads the Reds cast in smashing baseballs this year.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Tyler Stephenson #37 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning of the game at loanDepot park on April 06, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images You know the story of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds. They found a way to keep their record just above the .
500 mark, slipped into the playoffs as the final Wild Card in the National League, and were promptly bounced in two games by the future World Series champs. They got their on the backs of their pitching – namely, their starting rotation, which was stellar all year long. Their offense, though, was simply lackluster at best.
A guy who played on a bum thigh and slugged . 373 with 4 homers over his final 83 games (360 PA) still managed to lead the team in homers. Looking back at the statcast data for that club, you’ll find that the numbers backed up what we all watched.
It never looked like the Reds hit the ball hard, and they certainly didn’t hit the ball over the fence much. Per statcast, only two teams hit the ball softer in terms of average exit velocity, the Reds mark of 88. 6 mph worsted only by Cleveland and Houston.