The Reds have 'exceeded expectations' in a poll of MLB executives
The Cincinnati Reds have been one of the more surprising success stories this season, with MLB executives ranking them second to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a recent poll.
The Reds have 'exceeded expectations' in a poll of MLB executives originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . After sneaking into the playoffs last season thanks to the New York Mets ' collapse (28-37 after the All-Star break), the Cincinnati Reds look good to start 2026.
With an 18-10 record and leading the National League Central, the Reds look like they can make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2011 and 2012. The Reds had a rather quiet offseason after failing to sign designated hitter and hometown kid Kyle Schwarber. Instead of Schwarber, the Reds turned to acquire infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed third baseman Eugenio Suarez in free agency.
Sadly, Lux and Suarez haven't been enough to take the offense to the next level, as they are dead last in team average (. 213) and 25th in OPS (. 686).
To add insult to injury, the Reds will be without Suarez for some time, as he is on the injured list with a left oblique strain. More News: Pirates' strong start hasn't gone unnoticed by MLB executives MLB executives rate the Cincinnati Reds as one of the most surprising teams this season In a poll of Major League Baseball executives by MLB. com’s Mark Feinsand , the Reds received the second-most votes (three) for how well they've done to start this season.