Cincinnati concludes a regressive campaign marked by front-office dysfunction and roster uncertainty, while Toronto bids farewell to legends Max Scherzer and George Springer in a sentimental finale.
Fans around Cincinnati are rejoicing on Sunday, despite the Bengals' loss, as the Reds' season has finally ended after a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Cincinnati finishes the season 75-87, one of the more disappointing years in recent memory, even though the Reds were a trendy pick to win the NL Central before the season.
It was a nostalgic day for Blue Jays fans as they seemingly said goodbye to both starting pitcher Max Scherzer and George Springer. Scherzer was making what will likely be the last start of his 19-year MLB career. Springer is in the sixth and final year of his contract with the Blue Jays, and it is trending toward him not returning in 2027.
Scherzer threw seven innings of one-run baseball, striking out seven in a magnificent effort to cap off his career. The Reds totaled seven hits, with the lone run coming off a Carlos Jorge single that scored Oswaldo Cabrera. That was the only run the Reds could muster, leaving five runners on base in the loss. Jorge had two hits.
Left-hander Brandon Williamson started for Cincinnati and gave up four earned runs in three innings. He walked three and struck out three in a disappointing start to end the year after a decent stretch following his reinstatement from the injured list. Before this start against the Blue Jays, he had a 3.32 ERA in September, which included five appearances.
The Reds had their highlights in 2026, mainly in three players: Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns. Injuries hurt them, especially with De La Cruz missing three weeks and Hunter Greene getting surgery in early August.
However, the story of the year has been the front office, which has faced nonstop backlash from the fanbase after missing on trades and free-agent signings, leading to a disappointing season. The worst part for Reds fans? So much uncertainty surrounds this club going into the offseason. First, will there even be baseball next season that gives Cincinnati a chance to surprise people? Will Hunter Greene be able to pitch? Will Elly De La Cruz still be on the team?
The Reds' front office, which will return next year, has some very important decisions to make without much clarity. President of baseball operations Nick Krall and general manager Brad Meador are in an unenviable position, and reports suggest the dysfunction between ownership and the front office offers little hope of fixing the issue without wholesale, foundational changes.
