The Reds (50-47) face the Mets in a crucial July 2025 series. Can Elly De La Cruz lead a surge to convince the front office to buy at the trade deadline?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Cincinnati Reds roll into Citi Field tonight not just for a three-game set against the New York Mets, but for a series that feels like a referendum on their entire season. At 50-47 and chasing a postseason spot, the team stands at a critical juncture. The outcome of this series, and the games that follow, will directly influence whether President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall buys for a playoff push or sells off key pieces.
If the team gets hot, they could target a run-producing right fielder and bullpen help. If not, players in contract years could be moved.
The immediate challenge is a formidable Mets team sitting at 55-42. The Reds, riding a modest two-game winning streak, will need to solve their road woes (22-25) to make a statement. All eyes will be on the offense, led by the electric Elly De La Cruz (.284 AVG, 18 HR), to out-duel the Mets' powerful duo of Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. With ace-in-the-making Andrew Abbott leading the rotation, the Reds have the pitching to compete, but their 2-6 record in extra innings highlights a need to close out tight games.
Every win and loss over the next two weeks will be magnified in the front office. Nick Krall has made it clear he's watching closely before the July 31 trade deadline. A surge could see the Reds aggressively pursue a much-needed right-handed bat and bullpen reinforcements. A slide, however, would likely turn them into sellers, with veterans on expiring contracts like Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Austin Hays becoming prime trade candidates. The fate of the 2025 season hangs in the balance of this crucial stretch.
Compounding the pressure is the frustrating news on Hunter Greene. The team's ace remains sidelined with a Grade 1 groin strain after his rehab assignment was canceled due to lingering symptoms. With the team leaving the return timeline up to him, his absence creates a significant void at the top of the rotation. While manager Terry Francona has masterfully guided a staff led by All-Star Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo, the lack of their top flamethrower makes every game a tightrope walk.
Whatever happens at the deadline, the future remains a source of strength. MLB Pipeline recently ranked the Reds' farm system 11th in all of baseball, a testament to their continued success in drafting and development. Third baseman Cam Collier continues to shine as a consensus Top 100 prospect, leading a wave of talent that has fans excited. Whether it's for a late-season push this year or to build the core of 2026, help is on the way.
Tonight's game in New York is more than just game 98 of 162. It's the start of a two-week sprint that will define the Cincinnati Reds' identity. Are they contenders or re-toolers? Under the steady hand of Terry Francona, this team has a chance to write its own story. The next chapter begins now.
