4 Reds Players Who Need to Be Better Right Now

These four players have to improve if the Reds want to contend this season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:27pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the fragmented and disjointed nature of the Cincinnati Reds' offense this season.A cubist interpretation of the Reds' offensive struggles, with fragmented geometric shapes representing the team's lack of cohesion at the plate.Arlington Today

The Cincinnati Reds are off to a 9-7 start, but their underlying metrics suggest they should be much worse. A big reason for this is the lack of offensive production from several key players, including TJ Friedl, Brady Singer, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer. The Reds need these four players to step up their game if the team is going to compete in 2026.

Why it matters

The Reds are trying to contend this season, but their offense has been a major weakness so far. If these four players don't improve, it could derail the team's playoff hopes. The Reds need more consistent production from their lineup to support their pitching staff.

The details

TJ Friedl has been one of the worst players in MLB this season, slashing just .153/.286/.153 with no extra-base hits. Pitcher Brady Singer has struggled, giving up 11 runs on 21 hits in 11 2/3 innings. Infielder Matt McLain, who had a great spring, is hitting just .217/.329/.267 with no home runs. And outfielder Spencer Steer has been especially poor against right-handed pitching, slashing just .189/.294/.483.

  • The Reds are 9-7 going into Tuesday's series against the San Francisco Giants.
  • On Monday, the Reds sent Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville and are expected to call up Rece Hinds on Tuesday.

The players

TJ Friedl

Cincinnati Reds center fielder who has been one of the worst players in MLB this season, slashing just .153/.286/.153 with no extra-base hits.

Brady Singer

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher who has struggled, giving up 11 runs on 21 hits in 11 2/3 innings this season.

Matt McLain

Cincinnati Reds second baseman who had a great spring but is hitting just .217/.329/.267 with no home runs so far this season.

Spencer Steer

Cincinnati Reds left fielder who has been especially poor against right-handed pitching, slashing just .189/.294/.483.

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The takeaway

The Reds need these four players to improve their offensive production if the team is going to contend this season. Their struggles have been a major factor in the Reds' mediocre start, and the team will need more consistent hitting from these key contributors to make a playoff push.