The Reds may be in offseason mode, but there’s no shortage of storylines swirling around Cincinnati baseball right now. From defensive metrics to breakout pitching candidates and potential free agent fits, there’s plenty to dig into as the club looks ahead to 2026. Let’s break down some of the most interesting developments making the rounds today.
Elly De La Cruz and the Throwing Error Puzzle
One of the more intriguing discussions centers around Elly De La Cruz and his throwing errors-specifically, whether his high error totals are more about him or the guys trying to catch his throws over at first base.
The theory? Maybe the Reds’ first basemen haven’t exactly helped him out. But after a deeper dive, the evidence suggests that’s not entirely the issue.
The key point here is De La Cruz’s arm strength. He doesn’t just throw hard-he fires the ball across the diamond.
That kind of velocity can be a double-edged sword. While it gives him the ability to make jaw-dropping plays from deep in the hole, it also reduces the margin for error.
A short hop or a throw just slightly off-line becomes that much harder to handle when it’s coming in at 95 mph.
There’s also the matter of who’s been stationed at first base. The Reds have leaned on shorter first basemen the last couple of years-players who don’t have the same reach or extension as taller options. That can make a difference when it comes to scooping low throws or stretching for high ones.
So while De La Cruz’s error count can’t be pinned solely on his teammates, there’s some nuance here. It’s a combination of elite arm strength, inconsistent accuracy, and perhaps less-than-ideal targets.
The good news? These are fixable issues, especially for a player with De La Cruz’s raw talent.
Chase Petty’s Rollercoaster Season
Over in the farm system, Chase Petty’s 2025 campaign was anything but ordinary. He started strong-really strong.
In his first 12 starts (not counting a brief big league cameo), Petty posted an ERA under 3.00. He was commanding the zone, limiting hard contact, and looking every bit the part of a top-five organizational prospect.
Then came the second half of the season, and the wheels came off. Over his final 14 starts, Petty’s ERA ballooned north of 9.00, and his hit rate essentially doubled. That kind of collapse doesn’t happen without some underlying changes, and in Petty’s case, pitch usage played a major role.
He altered his approach midseason, shifting how and when he used his arsenal. That kind of adjustment can pay off in the long run, but in the short term, it clearly threw him off rhythm.
Developing pitchers often hit these kinds of speed bumps-it’s part of the growth process. The upside is still there, but 2025 was a reminder that player development rarely follows a straight line.
Chase Burns: Fantasy Breakout Watch
If you’re already thinking ahead to 2026 fantasy baseball drafts, one name to circle is Chase Burns. CBS Sports recently pegged him as a top breakout candidate, and it’s easy to see why.
Burns has electric stuff-fastball, slider, changeup, all with movement and bite. He’s drawn comparisons to Hunter Greene, and not just because they share a uniform.
Like Greene, Burns has the kind of arsenal that can overwhelm hitters when he’s in rhythm. The difference?
Burns might have a more complete toolkit right now, with a better feel for sequencing and command.
From a fantasy perspective, that’s gold. But even in real-world terms, Burns looks like a legitimate rotation piece with frontline potential. If he can stay healthy and refine his control, the Reds could have another power arm ready to make noise sooner rather than later.
Free Agent Fits (Not Named Kyle Schwarber)
Finally, with winter meetings on the horizon, the Reds are exploring ways to upgrade the offense-and not just by chasing the biggest names.
Mark Sheldon recently highlighted a few free agent targets who could help, and while the list includes a wide range of options (including one with a sub-.700 OPS), it also features Pete Alonso. That’s a name that would certainly move the needle in Cincinnati. Alonso brings power, presence, and a proven track record of production.
There’s also talk of a potential reunion with a former Red, which could add some familiarity to the mix. Whether the Reds go big or look for value adds, it’s clear they’re evaluating multiple paths to improve the lineup.
Bottom line: The Reds are a team in transition, but also one with intriguing pieces already in place. From De La Cruz’s defensive development to the rise (and stumble) of Chase Petty, the emergence of Chase Burns, and the search for offensive upgrades, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow this offseason. Stay tuned-this could be a pivotal winter in shaping the next phase of Reds baseball.