Reds Eye Another Big Week in Tight Wild Card Race

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8 August 2025

When was the last time the city of Cincinnati had stars at the level of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Elly De La Cruz—all at the same time?

And I’m not talking about just local heroes. These are players who could go to any other city in America and still be massive stars.

The Big Red Machine? Absolutely legendary.
The Boomer Esiason era with a couple of Super Bowl appearances? Great memories.

But this?
This is different.

We are living in a rare era where both the Bengals and Reds have household names, players that the entire sports world recognizes, and all of them are here right now. Yet the people in charge—the ownership groups—are squandering it.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Window

I’m almost 30 years old. And I’m coming to terms with something that’s hard to admit—this is probably the best opportunity I will ever see in my lifetime for the Bengals to win a Super Bowl or the Reds to win a World Series.

But instead of doing everything possible to seize the moment, ownership in both organizations seems content to let these golden years pass by.

Look at the Bengals—this offseason they enter the year with a defense that looks to have the exact same issues it did a year ago. They still don’t have Trey Hendrickson signed to a new deal, and it’s unclear if a deal is arriving anytime soon. For a team that’s been knocking on the door of a championship, that’s unacceptable.

Then there’s the Reds. We’ve known for years this offense has major deficiencies—low power, inconsistent run production—and yet, offseason after offseason, they do very little to address it. The bats go cold, the runs dry up, and the story never changes.

Example A: They scatter 7 hits on Paul Skenes and the Pirates but have next to no run production to get anything going or to even pose a threat.

Acting Like Stars Don’t Matter

These are not average players in average markets. These are marketing goldmines, the kind of stars that sell tickets, jerseys, and bring in national attention. In most cities, front offices would be operating like their hair is on fire—spending, trading, making aggressive moves to maximize the championship window.

But here? It feels like ownership operates with a shrug. As if postseason success is optional, not essential.

Cincinnati Deserves More

I’ve never lived in Cincinnati, but I’ve been a Cincinnati sports fan my entire life. And I can say without hesitation: the people of this city deserve so much more than what they’re getting from these owners.

We’re not just talking about wins and losses—we’re talking about an entire fanbase being robbed of what could be one of the greatest eras in Cincinnati sports history.

And if nothing changes, decades from now we’ll all look back and say the same thing:
They wasted it.

“We’ll spend the rest of our lives telling people about the stars we had in Cincinnati… and how ownership wasted them.”

The Need For a Fast Start In 2025

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7 August 2025

Why a Fast Start Is Crucial for the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals
Boosting Momentum and Confidence for a Super Bowl Run

The 2025 NFL season is a pivotal one for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with Super Bowl aspirations led by quarterback Joe Burrow and a talented roster. After a challenging couple of seasons marked by slow starts, the Bengals face a tough 2025 schedule that makes getting off to a quick start more important than ever.

A strong beginning can set the tone for the season, build momentum, and position the Bengals for playoff success. In this article, we’ll explore why a fast start is critical for the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals and how it can shape their path to glory.

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The Bengals’ History of Slow Starts

In recent years, the Bengals have struggled to hit the ground running. The 23 and 24 seasons saw Cincinnati dig early holes, forcing them to play catch-up for the remainder of the year. For example, in 2024, the team faced a brutal opening schedule and failed to find rhythm early, which impacted their playoff chances. The 2025 schedule doesn’t offer much relief. The Bengals open the season on the road against division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, in the Battle of Ohio, followed by a challenging slate that includes games against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers before their bye week. With only one home game in the first four weeks, a fast start will be essential to avoid falling behind in a competitive AFC North.

Why a Quick Start Matters in 2025

1. Building Early Momentum: Momentum is everything in the NFL. A strong start can boost team confidence and create a positive locker room atmosphere. For the Bengals, early wins against tough opponents like the Browns and Lions can set a tone of resilience and belief. Joe Burrow, now fully healthy and in his prime, thrives when the team is clicking early. A few early victories could propel the Bengals into their tough mid-season stretch with the confidence needed to compete against elite teams.

2. Navigating a Brutal Schedule: The 2025 schedule is front-loaded with challenging matchups. After the Browns, the Bengals face a gauntlet of playoff-caliber teams. Dropping games early could put them in a hole that’s difficult to climb out of, especially in a division as competitive as the AFC North. As noted in a Cincy Jungle article, the first half of the season is particularly grueling, making early wins critical to staying in the playoff race. A fast start gives the Bengals a cushion to absorb potential losses later in the season.

3. Strengthening Playoff Positioning: The AFC is stacked with talented teams, and securing a high seed in the playoffs is crucial for home-field advantage. A slow start could force the Bengals to rely on a wild-card spot, which often means playing on the road in the postseason. By stacking wins early, Cincinnati can position themselves for a division title or a top seed, giving them a better shot at hosting playoff games at Paycor Stadium, where their home crowd provides a significant edge.

4. Boosting Fan and Team Morale: Bengals fans are passionate and vocal. A fast start fuels fan excitement, which can translate into a tangible home-field advantage. Additionally, early success keeps the team motivated and focused, preventing the frustration that comes with playing from behind. A confident Bengals squad, led by stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, can be unstoppable when morale is high.

How the Bengals Can Achieve a Fast Start

To hit the ground running in 2025, the Bengals must focus on a few key areas:

Offensive Execution: Joe Burrow’s health and precision are critical. The offense, bolstered by new additions like tight end Noah Fant, must fire on all cylinders from Week 1. Quick, efficient drives and a balanced attack will keep defenses guessing. The OL must keep Joe upright.
Defensive Improvements: Fans on X are optimistic about the Bengals’ defense stepping up in 2025. Addressing past weaknesses, especially in the secondary and pass rush, will be key to stopping high-powered offenses early in the season. So far, they have looked good in practice. We’ll see if it translates, especially considering the new D Coordinator, AL Golden.
Special Teams Reliability: With players like Tycen Anderson aiming for big contributions, the Bengals can gain an edge in field position and momentum through strong special teams play.

The Ripple Effect of a Strong Start

A fast start doesn’t just impact the standings—it sets the stage for a deep playoff run. Early wins build team chemistry, reduce pressure, and allow the Bengals to fine-tune their game plan as the season progresses. With a healthy Burrow, a dynamic offense, and an improved defense, the Bengals have the tools to make a Super Bowl push, as some fans on X predict. However, falling behind early could derail those aspirations, forcing the team to expend energy catching up rather than building toward January and February.Conclusion: The Time Is NowThe 2025 Cincinnati Bengals have the talent, leadership, and fan support to compete for a Super Bowl. However, their challenging early schedule makes a fast start non-negotiable. By securing early wins, building momentum, and staying competitive in the AFC North, the Bengals can set themselves up for a successful season. As the Who Dey Nation gears up for kickoff, all eyes will be on Joe Burrow and company to come out swinging and prove they’re ready to dominate from Week 1.Ready to cheer on the Bengals in 2025? Share your thoughts on their chances for a fast start and a Super Bowl run!

Why the Reds’ Wild Card Path Just Got Easier

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6 August 2025

After a successful series win in Chicago, the Reds still find themselves three games out of the final Wild Card spot.

But there’s reason for optimism.

The San Diego Padres—the team Cincinnati was chasing—have been on fire lately, going 8-2 in their last 10. They also made multiple deadline moves to gear up for a playoff push.

Catching them was never going to be easy.

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Now, as of today, the Padres have leapfrogged the Mets for the second Wild Card spot. That means the only team between the Reds and a playoff berth is now New York—just three games ahead.

And I love that.

The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 and playing some of their worst baseball at the worst possible time.

To make things even better, New York heads to Milwaukee this week to face a red-hot Brewers team that’s gone 44-16 over their last 60—a franchise record. Good luck with that.

So with 47 games to go, yeah, the Reds are still on the outside looking in… but I’d much rather be chasing a cold Mets team than a surging Padres squad that just got stronger a week ago.

Now, let’s talk about the Reds’ next series—a four-game set in Pittsburgh against the last-place Pirates.

On paper, this should be a great opportunity.

But if you’ve followed this team over the past few years, you know nothing is ever that simple.

The Reds are just 14-18 against Pittsburgh over the last three seasons—even though the Pirates have basically lived in the division basement. For whatever reason, they’ve had the Reds’ number.

This weekend is the most important series of the season so far.

Once again, the Reds are coming off a big series win against a division opponent and are sitting in a great spot. And once again, this is usually where they fall flat—either splitting or losing the series.

That cannot happen this time.

With the Mets visiting Milwaukee, the Reds have to take at least three of four in Pittsburgh. They have to capitalize.

Game 1 won’t be easy. Paul Skenes is on the mound for the Pirates.

But this is the stretch where playoff teams show who they really are.

Let’s see what they’ve got.

Reds Lose Nick Lodolo to IL… Again

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5 August 2025

In Monday night’s 3-2 win, Reds southpaw Nick Lodolo exited early after just two innings with what was later confirmed to be a blister on his pitching hand. Now, the news has dropped: Lodolo is heading to the 15-day Injured List.

Not exactly ideal timing.

The Reds are currently just 3 games out of the final Wild Card spot, and it already feels like they’re playing each day with everything on the line. Losing a high-end arm like Lodolo — especially right now — is a gut punch.

And let’s be clear: Lodolo hasn’t just been good lately… he’s been dominant.

Over his last month of work, Lodolo has a ridiculous 1.24 ERA, 31 strikeouts, and only two walks in 29 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .167 against him over that stretch.

So yeah, he’s been very good.

But here we are again — both of the Reds’ top starters, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, are back on the IL. For a team trying to claw its way into October, this is the last thing you want. Especially when you write about how he’s poised for a healthy year. Hair rip-out moment.

Fingers crossed Lodolo’s stay is short.

And Hunter Greene… hurry back, man. This team needs you.

Crunch Time: Reds Must Find a Spark to Fuel Playoff Push

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4 August 2025

The race to October is officially on, and for the Cincinnati Reds, there’s no mystery left in the math.

Each of the past three seasons, 89 wins has been the magic number to secure a National League playoff spot. As things stand today, the Reds sit at 58-54 with 50 games remaining. That means they’ll need to go 31-19 down the stretch to get there.

Doable? Maybe. But it’s going to require something this team hasn’t shown consistently all season — a dominant stretch of baseball.

The Path Is There – But It’s Tight

The Reds are currently four games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, hovering in the middle of a tightly-packed group of hopefuls. The next 50 games represent more than just a finishing sprint — they’re a gauntlet of crucial divisional matchups and must-win series.

Of those final 50, 29 games will come against NL Central opponents — the Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, and Cardinals. The problem? Cincinnati is just 11-15 against the division so far this season. If that trend continues, the Reds can kiss October goodbye.

If there’s a turnaround to be had, it has to start in the Central.

And it all starts tonight, with Nick Lodolo on the mound facing the Chicago Cubs on the road. The lefty has quietly been one of the more consistent arms in the rotation this season, and the Reds need him to set the tone — not just for this series, but for this final stretch.

A Streak Has to Happen

There’s no avoiding it: the Reds need a real winning streak — something like 8 to 10 straight, or winning 11 of 12 — to make up ground in the standings and build the kind of momentum that playoff teams ride through August and September.

Every playoff team each year finds “the stretch.” Right now, the Reds are still waiting on theirs. With just 50 games left, time is running out to put one together.

That kind of run could vault them past a crowded Wild Card race and give the clubhouse belief that they’re not just hoping — they’re belonging.

Every Game Is a Playoff Game Now

There are no more “meh” Tuesdays in August. Every night matters. Every loss stings. Every series has stakes.

If the Reds want to play in October, they have to start playing like it now.

A 31-19 record is within reach. But it will take more than just steady play — it will take a streak, a defining run, a burst of energy that this team hasn’t shown… yet.

It starts tonight. Nick Lodolo has the ball, and the Reds have a chance to start writing their playoff story.

The good news? They still have time. The bad news? It’s running out quickly.

Why Moving Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Chase Burns Into The Closer Role Makes Sense

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4 August 2025

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The 2025 version of the Cincinnati Reds has plenty of issues — just like many Reds teams before them. With just under two months left in the season, the team finds itself on the outside looking in: four games back of the final Wild Card spot. Be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter using the popup form or form below!

They’re expected to get RHP ace Hunter Greene back in the next couple of weeks, potentially as early as this week. On Sunday, August 3rd, Greene tossed 3.1 IP with 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 7 K, and 1 BB for AAA Louisville — a strong outing for the flamethrower.

With Greene’s return, the Reds rotation could become crowded. After acquiring Zack Littell at the deadline, Cincinnati will have five solid starters:

Hunter Greene
Nick Lodolo
Andrew Abbott
Zack Littell
Brady Singer

That leaves Chase Burns on the outside looking in.

But I think there’s a clear place for him:
Make Chase Burns the Closer.

Yes, Emilio Pagán has been serviceable. He’s fine for a .500 team — which is kind of what the Reds are. But if you’re serious about chasing the postseason, this bullpen needs help. And Chase Burns offers real upside.

He brings triple-digit velocity, a devastating slider, and most importantly, dominance in the first inning. Since being called up, Burns has posted a staggering 41.9% strikeout rate in the first inning — and that’s including a shaky outing against Boston when he was tipping pitches. Take that start out, and the number jumps even higher.

That’s what you want out of your Closer – swing and miss “stuff”. Not so much a contact pitcher which is what Emilio Pagán is, even more so once he’s fatigued.

Plus, the Reds are approaching a situation where Burns will soon hit his innings cap. Why not transition him into a high-leverage role that reduces his innings load and simultaneously strengthens an area that can be improved?

I get the hesitation: “You don’t want your No. 2 pick becoming a closer.” But the Reds didn’t expect Chase Burns to be up this quickly. This isn’t about shelving his long-term potential — it’s about maximizing his value right now.

Put him in the fire. Let him close games in August and September. Get him reps under pressure. It will only make him better. You can always stretch him back out as a starter next season — he’s only 22.

This move makes too much sense:

You have five proven starters.
You cut down Burns’ innings.
You give the Reds an improved chance to fight down the stretch.

A team with this many issues can’t solve everything. But this?
This one you can solve.

Move Burns to the back end of the bullpen — and give your ball club a jolt it desperately needs.

What To Expect On Deadline Day As a Cincinnati Reds Fan

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31 July 2025

Good morning, Cincinnati. Ole beautiful. Our favorite team, today, will coast the waters of what’s titled, “MLB Trade Deadline Day.” The waters are rough, especially if you’re Nick Krall operating on such a precise budget because your ownership team pockets millions throughout each year. But less of that, let’s get into what we can genuinely expect today. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter by using the popup form or the form below!

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Ownership’s STRICT Budget

You’ve seen me tweet, you’ve seen me write, the budget that Nick Krall has been given is absolutely brutal. The pending revenue holdout in 2027, and even in 2026, where the Reds don’t have a TV deal in place yet, has the ownership in a field of daze – they’re terrified to go over a certain amount of $, and both deals that they’ve made so far prove that.

I was tipped off that that number is at or near $3,500,000 additional, and the way Nick Krall has moved so far, that feels extremely accurate. They had to attach money to the Ke’Bryan Hayes deal for it to even work, and the RHP they got, Zack Littell, is only going to make $1,850,000 with the Reds, per Spotrac.

So What’s Next?

In reality, a whole lot of nothing. And I know so many people get upset when I say this, but genuinely, nothing. If there’s anything that’s going to happen between now & 6pm ET when the deadline hits, it’s going to be a relief pitcher on an expiring contract from a team like the Colorado Rockies.

Mark Sheldon linked the Reds to two different Rockies RP’s yesterday morning, specifically citing RHPs Jake Bird/Seth Halvorsen – both making MLB minimum, fitting the Reds desperate need to ‘stay inside the budget.’ If it’s not these two players, it’ll be someone similar. I know, don’t jump out of your seats with excitement. Maybe hold off on that 2026 season ticket purchase, too.

What Will It Take To Get A Big Bat?

IF, and only IF, because that’s all we have right now, the Reds were to go out and get a big bat, they would have to attach payroll to it. As we all know now, that becomes even more costly, because it means you have to pay even more in prospect capital. This is the ONLY way for us to land a splash today, however, unless ownership decides to fork some more $ up.

Should the Reds give themselves a fighting chance at getting a bat, they’d have to trade someone like Brady Singer, who is making $8,750,000 this year and is owed about $5,000,000 more. That would be the only way to land a bat. IF Nick Martinez could be moved, that’d be the best shot at landing anyone else big, but we all know that his $12,500,000 remaining due is too large of a sum to have that happen.

My friends, unfortunately, Nick Krall is not motivated enough, nor creative enough, to surpass the burden that the ownership has placed on him when it comes to monetary strain. There won’t be anything big coming today, and Krall has alluded to this exact scenario in every media availability he’s had since acquiring Hayes & Littell. What we got…is what we got. Go Reds.

Cincinnati Reds Acquire RHP Zack Littell 7/30/25

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30 July 2025

Tonight the Cincinnati Reds stuck to their guns and what the industry felt they’d be doing next – landing some more pitching. The Reds are acquiring Tampa Bay Ray’s starter RHP Zack Littell for a RHP in Louisville and another prospect.

Full Trade

The Cincinnati Reds are giving up RHP Brian Van Belle (A Louisville starter) and Adam Serwinowski, a LHP in the Reds MiLBs.

Zack Littell will be brought in to eat some innings for the Reds and preserve some arms. Likely, Nick Martinez will move into the bullpen, and potentially even Chase Burns could pitch some innings out of the bullpen.

For what the Reds gave up, this is shaping up to be a pretty good trade for us, even though Littell is simply a rental. He’s been quite good on the year so far, and you’d expect that to continue.

Zack Littell is worth 2.1 bWAR, has made 21 starts, has a 3.72 ERA and a 1.114 WHIP in 128.1 IP. He’s coming to Cincinnati giving up a lot of HRs, so let’s hope he can keep that at bay. Here’s a video of him commenting on the trade:

Here’s #Rays right-handed starter Zack Littell, in his own words, on learning he’d been traded to the #Reds, via our @FanDuelSN_Rays postgame show. pic.twitter.com/jjVz8LSna5
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) July 31, 2025

Ke’Bryan Hayes Is a Cincinnati Red

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30 July 2025