The Cincinnati Reds find themselves in familiar territory—hovering around .500, flashing moments of promise, and ultimately leaving fans in a state of uncertainty. In a recent column from the Enquirer, Gordon Wittenmyer and Jason Williams offered their signature point/counterpoint in the latest edition of Wittenmyer & Williams, sounding the alarm on the Reds’ sleepy 2025 campaign.
Despite flashes of talent and hustle, the Reds’ storyline hasn’t changed much from the previous season. According to Williams, “They epitomize mediocrity.” For every small winning streak, there’s an equally frustrating slump to follow. This inconsistency is the biggest concern, especially as the MLB Trade Deadline rapidly approaches.
Are the Reds Boring or Just Stuck?
Wittenmyer challenged the idea that the team is boring, pointing out the excitement of rookie phenom Chase Burns, and the electric playmaking of Elly De La Cruz, who just made his second MLB All-Star appearance. Yet, for Williams, effort and potential aren’t enough. Fans are tired of scrappy storylines without playoff results.
“Playing hard should be a basic expectation,” Williams argued. “Winning should be the standard.”
The Problem with “Trust the Process”
The Reds once asked fans to trust the process, and for a while, it looked promising. A solid young core was emerging, and there was hope that consistent development would lead to October success. But with questionable moves like signing Nick Martinez for $20 million and inconsistent player usage—such as keeping Elly at shortstop over Matt McLain—fans and analysts alike are beginning to doubt the front office’s vision.
Williams voiced his skepticism:
“I’m not sure anymore what their plan is.”
A Crossroads at the Trade Deadline
The upcoming trade deadline presents a major inflection point for the Reds. According to both writers, standing still is no longer an option. While Wittenmyer hinted at aggressive possibilities like trading Hunter Greene for top-tier talent, Williams emphasized the need for decisive action, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a “buyer” or “seller” category.
“Go decisive or go home—and stay home for the playoffs. Again.”
That’s a reference to the past two trade deadlines, where the Reds hesitated and paid the price. In 2023, they narrowly missed the playoffs by two games, partly due to a lack of bold action. The same mistakes cannot be repeated.
What the Reds Must Do Now
To salvage 2025 and build true playoff momentum, here’s what the Cincinnati Reds must consider:
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Be aggressive at the deadline: Explore all options, even uncomfortable ones like dealing a top pitcher.
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Clarify the team identity: Stop flip-flopping between “rebuilding” and “competing.”
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Invest in impactful talent: Surround young stars like De La Cruz and McLain with proven contributors.
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Fix the rotation inconsistencies: Relying on too many question marks in the rotation won’t cut it.
Final Thoughts: Wake Up, Cincinnati
The fans have waited long enough. The Reds haven’t won a playoff series in over 30 years. With talent like Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns, the foundation is there—but potential needs reinforcement. Whether the team makes a blockbuster trade or overhauls the front office approach, one thing is clear: doing nothing is no longer an option.
It’s time to wake up and make moves that matter.
