The Cincinnati Reds are still in the playoff hunt, but with one week remaining in the 2025 regular season, it's hard to not to take a peek toward the upcoming offseason. Terry Francona's first year at the helm has been filled with ups and downs, but even before this season began, many Reds fans were already targeting the 2026 campaign as a breakout year for Elly De La Cruz and Co.
The same version of the team that's on the field when the final out is recorded this season will not be back in 2026. Every winter, trades, non-tenders, signings, and free agency departures result in a new identity heading into spring training the following season.