Reds' Abbott Optimistic About 2026 Season After Breakout Year

All-Star pitcher believes Cincinnati has the talent to compete again in the NL

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:07am

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Cincinnati Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott had a breakout season in 2025, making the National League All-Star team and finishing with a 2.87 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Now, Abbott is optimistic about the Reds' chances in 2026, citing the strong work ethic of returning players like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene. The Reds won 83 games last year before losing in the Wild Card round, and Abbott believes the team has the talent to take the next step this season.

Why it matters

Abbott's breakout season was a key factor in the Reds returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and his optimism about the team's chances in 2026 suggests the Reds could be poised for another postseason run. The Reds' success is important for the Cincinnati sports scene and their loyal fanbase.

The details

Abbott made the National League All-Star team in 2025 and finished the season with a 2.87 ERA and 149 strikeouts across 29 starts. As Spring Training kicked off, Abbott praised the offseason work ethic of teammates Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene. The Reds won 83 games in 2025 before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round, and Abbott believes the team has the talent to compete again in 2026 with a few key upgrades.

  • Abbott made the National League All-Star team in 2025.
  • The Reds won 83 games in 2025 before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round.

The players

Andrew Abbott

A left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who had a breakout season in 2025, making the National League All-Star team and finishing with a 2.87 ERA and 149 strikeouts.

Elly De La Cruz

A returning player for the Cincinnati Reds who Abbott praised for his strong offseason work ethic.

Hunter Greene

A starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who Abbott described as having one of the biggest work ethics he's seen since joining the organization.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds who, according to Abbott, has determined that it's time for the team to take the next step in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, you can see Elly put in a lot of work this offseason, lifting, or running or whatever the program was on.”

— Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds pitcher

“Hunter has always been one of the biggest candidates for work ethic I've ever seen since I've been in the org.”

— Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds pitcher

“As Tito has determined in the first meeting, it's time. We basically have the same team as the one last year with a few upgrades and I think we have the team to do it.”

— Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds pitcher

The takeaway

Abbott's optimism about the Reds' chances in 2026 suggests the team is poised to build on their successful 2025 campaign and make another run at the playoffs. The strong work ethic of key players like De La Cruz and Greene, combined with the team's core talent, has Abbott believing the Reds have what it takes to take the next step this season.