Matt’s Take: A break from the Reds will be nice (something I never thought I would say)
By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist
The MLB All-Star Break is here, and I’ve never been more ready for it. While I am excited for Chase Burns and Sal Stewart, I am even more thrilled to have a break from watching this team play the worst baseball in the league, as they have since May 1.
Remember how awesome it felt when the Reds were 20-11? Now, they find themselves at 9 games under .500 and the only team in the National League Central under .500 (because we cannot beat a divisional opponent).
The grade for the first half is by far an “F,” as this team looks like the worst team in baseball. By the end of the year, they might have the worst record in baseball. But hey, Hunter Greene is back…
Lebron is coming to Cincinnati
Lebron is coming to Cincinnati! Well, not the Lebron you’re thinking of, but a very good one nonetheless. With the Reds pick in the MLB Draft, Justin Lebron was selected, a shortstop out of Alabama. The 18th pick appears to have been a good one, but I am a little confused with the pick after taking Steele Hall just a year ago. His numbers dipped later in his college career, as he was thought to be a lottery pick and even the number one pick as a freshman and sophomore. He is known for his speed and the ability to get on base. It’ll be interesting to see if his game can transition to the majors.
Football can’t get here soon enough
Man, do I miss Bengals football. I love summer, but when the Reds are playing awful baseball, it makes you wish for fall in a hurry. I pray that health stays on this team's side in 2026-27, as I truly think they have a chance to get back on track. A healthy Burrow, no slow starts, a middle-of-the-pack defense, and health for the stars, as with any team, will need to occur and I think this team has a chance to win the division.
I am still scared about our linebacker play, as I thought another signing needed to happen, but it’ll be interesting to see how that position group holds up. Nothing can be as bad as watching the Reds right now.
What do you believe is the biggest strength of this Bengals team? Will the Bengals find a way to run more efficiently and have less plays out of shotgun? Will the defense be able to stop the run? Does this team have the ability to apply enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks? Can this offensive line hold up in a gritty AFC North?
I don’t know the answers, but I sure am excited to find out.