As of June 9, 2025, the Reds' pitching shines while the offense sputters. Can Elly De La Cruz and TJ Friedl spark a revival against Cleveland?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Here we are in early June, and the Cincinnati Reds are the definition of a .500 ballclub. At 33-33, they're a team of contrasts, a story of what is and what could be. While a trio of homegrown pitchers are dealing on the mound, the offense has sputtered, leaving the team fourth in the NL Central and fans wondering when the pieces will finally click together.
Elly De La Cruz continues to be the offensive leader for the Reds, currently leading the team with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs.
The frustration for Reds fans is palpable. On one hand, you have the electric arms of Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo delivering strong performances and keeping the team in games. On the other, you have an offense that can't seem to find its gear. Beyond a few key contributors, the lineup has been a source of inconsistency. The outfield lacks the power punch needed to compete, and former bright spots like Spencer Steer and Matt McLain are mired in slumps, leaving a significant hole in the run production.
The brightest spot, without a doubt, is the continued emergence of Elly De La Cruz as a legitimate star. He's the engine of this offense, leading the club with 12 homers and an impressive 43 RBIs, which ranks 15th in all of baseball. He's not alone, though. Leadoff man TJ Friedl is setting the table with a team-best .292 batting average, and newcomer Gavin Lux has been a steady presence, hitting .277 with 14 doubles and a patient eye at the plate. These players are doing their part, but they need more help.
The Reds will look to find that help tonight as they travel to Cleveland for the first of a three-game series against the Guardians. Veteran Wade Miley gets the ball for the Reds, looking to provide a steadying presence against Guardians' righty Luis Ortiz. The lineup behind Miley is built for action, featuring TJ Friedl, Gavin Lux, and De La Cruz at the top, followed by Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Tyler Stephenson, Will Benson, Santiago Espinal, Jake Fraley, and the struggling Matt McLain, who gets a chance to break out of his slump.
If the current offense can't get it done, help may be on the horizon. The farm system is brimming with high-end pitching talent, with Chase Burns and Chase Petty already knocking on the door of the big leagues. Rhett Lowder, another top arm, is expected to join them once he's healthy. While the pitching pipeline is robust, there are also promising bats developing in the minors. Young prospects like Alfredo Duno and Tyson Lewis are making names for themselves, offering a glimpse of a potentially more potent offensive future.
Tonight's series opener against the Guardians is more than just another game; it's a crucial test. Can the Reds' offense wake up and provide the support their pitchers deserve, or will they continue to tread water? While the present is a day-to-day battle to climb above .500, the future looks bright, with a wave of talent getting closer to Cincinnati every day. For now, all eyes are on Progressive Field.
