ESPN Analyst Bullish on Reds' Postseason Chances

Reds look to make playoffs for second straight year after wild-card exit in 2025

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:24pm

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The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a successful 2025 season, making the playoffs as a wild-card team. However, they were quickly eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. This year, the Reds will look to make the postseason for the second consecutive year, something they haven't done since 2012-2013. ESPN analyst Jeff Passan has high expectations for the Reds, believing they have the talent to not only make the playoffs, but potentially win a series.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the NL Central, which has seen some of their division rivals make key offseason additions. Passan's high praise for the Reds' roster and potential suggests they could be a team to watch in the National League this season.

The details

The Reds added power to their lineup by re-signing Eugenio Suarez to a one-year deal. Suarez will team up with the highly touted Elly De La Cruz to form a formidable middle of the order. The Reds' pitching staff, led by the eventual return of Nick Greene from elbow surgery, also has Passan excited about their postseason potential. If Greene can return by July as expected, the Reds could have a dominant trio of Greene, Graham Burns, and Andrew Abbott to anchor their rotation in a short playoff series.

  • The Reds made the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2025.
  • Nick Greene is expected to return from elbow surgery by July 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A power-hitting infielder who re-signed with the Reds on a one-year deal, providing a boost to their lineup.

Elly De La Cruz

A highly touted Reds prospect who is expected to take a leap this season and form a dangerous duo with Suarez in the middle of the order.

Nick Greene

The Reds' ace pitcher who is expected to return from elbow surgery by July, giving the team a dominant trio at the top of their rotation.

Graham Burns

A key member of the Reds' pitching staff who, along with Greene and Abbott, could form a formidable trio in a short playoff series.

Andrew Abbott

Another talented pitcher in the Reds' rotation who, along with Greene and Burns, could give the team a significant advantage in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“It wouldn't surprise me if the Reds, spurred by Greene's return, not only make the postseason but win a series. Imagine facing Greene, Burns and Andrew Abbott in a short series. Not fun. And with Stewart in the middle of the lineup, Elly De La Cruz potentially taking a leap, Matt McLain looking like he's fully back and Eugenio Suarez peppering Great American Ball Park with home runs again, the Reds have the talent to be one of the better teams in the NL.”

— Jeff Passan, ESPN Analyst (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Reds will look to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and make a deeper run in the postseason this year. Their success will hinge on the return of ace Nick Greene, as well as continued production from their talented lineup and pitching staff.

The takeaway

The Reds have the potential to be one of the better teams in the National League this season, with a talented roster that includes a formidable starting rotation and a dangerous middle of the order. If they can stay healthy and get a boost from Greene's return, they could make a deep playoff run and challenge the top teams in the NL.