Sports 26 January 2026

Matt’s Take: Reds spring training updates

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By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

As I look outside my window and see six inches of snow and single digit temperatures, it’s hard to imagine that baseball is just around the corner.  

I am more than ready to see baseball again and with the Bengals having a disappointing season, it’s made it feel like that much longer of a wait.
   
RedsFest was a nice event to break up the long intermission, but now it’s time to get a few more additions to this lineup and to get ready for spring training.

Important Dates Approaching

February 9th – Pitchers/Catchers Report
February 14th – Position Players Report
February 21st – First Spring Training game vs Cleveland
March 26th – Reds Opening Day vs Red Sox.

Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees

Tejay Antone
Will Banfield
Michael Chavis
Hagen Danner
Garrett Hampson
Lyon Richardson
Carson Spiers
Michael Toglia
Joel Valdez
Connor Burns
Cam Collier
PJ Higgins
Yunior Marte
Anthony Misiewicz
Michael Trautwein.

Reds still desperate for a bat

While I would currently grade the Reds offseason as a C-, this can quickly improve to a successful offseason in my book if the Reds would find a way to add some power to the middle of the order.  

Simply running it back from last season is a waste of time, as this Reds team was completely unmatched in the playoffs.  

Eugenio Suarez and Austin Hays joining this team would change my grade to a solid “B.”  

While the Reds are currently money strapped due to a TV issue with FanDuel yet again, we all know they will find someone to air their games.  Make it happen or be willing to trade an arm, as this team has to find a way to produce runs.  

Random snow day thoughts

College sports have more talent than ever, yet the system is a full of major flaws ruining the integrity of recruiting and building a program.  

Whales are better than Goldfish. If you haven’t had whales, they’re better…

Zac Taylor being the one AFC North coach to remain employed is comical.  

CBA Negotiations for baseball are going to be brutal, as it expires in 12/1/2026. I expect to be without baseball for some time.  

Elly De La Cruz would bring a massive return right now…and we know he doesn’t want to be here long term.  

The Reds have more confidence in McLain returning to form than I do.  

Going to arbitration over a couple hundred thousand dollars with Stephenson seems uncalled for.  

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