Two Reds are poised for massive leaps in 2026.
The Cincinnati Reds are looking to build on a 2025 season that ended with an 83-79 record and their first playoff appearance in a full 162-game season since 2013.
While the Dodgers swept them in the Wild Card Series, there is reason for optimism heading into 2026. MLB.com's David Adler sees two Reds players as potential breakout candidates this season.
De La Cruz Picked for MVP-Level Season#
Adler selected shortstop Elly De La Cruz as his pick for the 2026 version of Cal Raleigh, a star who could ascend to MVP level.
Adler noted he picked De La Cruz for a similar breakout last year when he predicted the young shortstop would follow Bobby Witt Jr.'s 2024 path, and even though it did not quite come true, he is making the same call again.
De La Cruz batted .264 with a .776 OPS in 2025, hitting 22 home runs with 86 RBI while stealing 37 bases and playing all 162 games for the Reds.
The 24-year-old dealt with a partially torn quad that affected his production after the All-Star break, but a healthy De La Cruz has the power, speed and defensive upside to be one of the best players in the game according to Adler.
Burns Expected to Break Out on the Mound#
Adler selected right-hander Chase Burns as his pick for the 2026 version of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, someone who had all the hype coming into the league but needs a second year to establish himself among the best.
Burns was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Draft and made his big league debut last June after dominating the minors in just 13 starts.
Burns posted a 4.57 ERA with 67 strikeouts in eight starts for Cincinnati, showing flashes of brilliance with four double-digit strikeout games and a 13.9 K/9 rate that showcased his elite stuff.
His fastball averages 99 mph and his slider sits at 91 mph, and Adler said Burns is already missing bats at an elite level with a 32 percent swing-and-miss rate, meaning his big breakout is coming sooner rather than later.
Reds' 2026 Outlook and Offseason Moves#
Cincinnati's front office has spent the offseason adding depth without increasing payroll much, signing reliever Pierce Johnson and re-signing closer Emilio Pagan while adding outfielders JJ Bleday and Dane Myers.
They have not landed the big power bat many fans wanted, with their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber falling short when the Ohio native chose to stay in Philadelphia.
The rotation remains a strength with Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo leading the way while Burns is penciled in for the fifth starter spot.
The Reds still have time to make moves before Spring Training opens on February 9, and they have been linked to potential trades involving Brady Singer, who will earn around $12 million in 2026 and is a free agent after the season.
For now, Cincinnati is banking on internal improvements from Noelvi Marte, Matt McLain and top prospect Sal Stewart, who impressed during his September call-up.
The front office recently landed top international prospect Angel Nuñez, showing a commitment to building for the future while also trying to win now.
If De La Cruz and Burns deliver the breakout seasons Adler predicts, the Reds could find themselves back in the postseason in a competitive NL Central.