• The Cincinnati Reds defeated the New York Mets 8-4, extending their winning streak to three games.
• Elly De La Cruz continued his phenomenal season with a multi-RBI performance.
• The Reds are now 51-47, but face a critical decision as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.
• The front office is described as being in 'wait-and-see' mode regarding potential trades.
• Concerns remain over the pitching staff due to the prolonged absence of ace Hunter Greene with a groin injury.

Another night, another win, and another stellar performance from Elly De La Cruz. The Cincinnati Reds extended their winning streak to three with a convincing 8-4 victory over the Mets at Citi Field, keeping their postseason hopes very much alive. But as the offense sizzles, a crucial question hangs over the Queen City: Is this team a contender? The answer will determine everything in the final days before the July 31 trade deadline.

With the win, the Reds are 51-47, but the front office is in 'wait-and-see' mode ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

Elly's Big Apple Beatdown

The Reds' offense didn't waste any time Saturday, jumping on the Mets early and never looking back. The catalyst, as he so often is, was Elly De La Cruz. Continuing his phenomenal season, De La Cruz drove in multiple runs, joined by Jonathan India in a concerted offensive effort that overwhelmed New York. The pitching staff did its part, and a lockdown bullpen secured the 8-4 win, moving the Reds to four games over .500. While they remain 7.5 games back in the division, this kind of performance is exactly what makes the front office's upcoming decisions so difficult.

The Rotation's Lingering Question Mark

While the bats are booming, a shadow remains over the pitching staff: the health of ace Hunter Greene. Sidelined since early June with a right groin strain, Greene's return is no clearer today than it was weeks ago. Despite a clean MRI on July 7, he continues to report symptoms and has yet to begin a rehab assignment. In a telling move, the team is leaving the decision to resume throwing entirely up to him. Every day he remains out is a day the rotation feels the strain, making the need for potential deadline pitching reinforcements even more acute.

Krall's Crossroads: Buyer or Seller?

This winning streak couldn't have come at a more pivotal time. President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall is watching closely, and the team's play between now and July 31 will dictate his strategy. If the Reds keep winning and stay in the hunt, expect Krall to be aggressive, targeting a much-needed run-producing right fielder and more bullpen arms. However, if the team stumbles, the script could flip entirely. Veterans on expiring contracts, like Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Austin Hays, could suddenly become valuable trade chips to bolster the farm system for 2026 and beyond.

Help from Within?

Regardless of the trade deadline direction, the Reds' farm system continues to churn out talent. Keep an eye on third baseman Sal Stewart, who is turning heads in the minors with his strong development. While the big league infield seems set for now, Stewart is emerging as a legitimate option for a late-season call-up, especially if the team needs an infusion of energy or depth for the stretch run.

The path forward for the 2025 Cincinnati Reds will be forged in the next ten days. Is this three-game winning streak the start of a legitimate playoff push, or just a hot streak before a strategic retool? The players' performance on the field will give Nick Krall his answer. For fans, it's a thrilling and nerve-wracking time. Fasten your seatbelts.