CJ Abrams Can Make Nationals/Expos History With All-Star Nod Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is on the verge of securing his second All-Star selection, a milestone that could etch his name into the franchise’s history books. The Nationals, formerly the Montreal Expos, have long struggled to produce All-Star shortstops, but Abrams’ elite season has positioned him as the most likely candidate to break that drought. With a .293 batting average, 12 home runs, 47 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and the highest OPS (.919) among qualified shortstops, Abrams has dominated the National League’s shortstop position this season. Abrams’ performance has placed him in a tight race for the All-Star starting spot, with Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez as his primary competitor. Lopez leads in batting average (.332) and is also a strong contender for the starting role. However, Abrams holds the edge in key advanced metrics, including on-base percentage (.381) and slugging percentage (.522), while tying with Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz in home runs (12) and hits (65). De La Cruz, however, is sidelined with a right hamstring strain, reducing the competition to a duel between Abrams and Lopez. The Nationals’ historical context adds significance to Abrams’ potential All-Star nod. Since the Expos joined Major League Baseball in 1969, only seven shortstops have earned All-Star selections, including Trea Turner (2021), Ian Desmond (2012), Wil Cordero (1994), Hubie Brooks (1986 and 1987), and Cristian Guzmán (2008). None of these players were named the starting shortstop, leaving a void in the franchise’s All-Star history. Abrams, if selected as the starting shortstop, would become the first Expos/Nationals player to achieve that honor. MLB.#washington_nationals #cj_abrams #elly_de_la_cruz #otto_lopez #montreal_expos
2026 All-MLB Team After One Month: Top Performers Shine in Early Season The 2026 Major League Baseball season is just over a month old, and early standout performances have already begun shaping the season’s All-MLB Team. This list focuses solely on the first month of action, with no consideration for past achievements or future projections. The selections reflect the current state of play, highlighting players who have made the most significant impacts in a small sample size. While some names may shift as the season progresses, this snapshot captures the most impressive contributors so far. Catcher: Drake Baldwin, Braves Drake Baldwin, the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, has defied expectations with his performance. Hitting .311 with a 155 OPS+, Baldwin leads the National League in hits and runs scored while contributing seven home runs and 25 RBI. His offensive production has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ success, helping them remain tied for the best record in baseball. The 25-year-old’s consistency and ability to drive in runs have solidified his position as a key player on this early-season team. First Baseman: Ben Rice, Yankees Ben Rice has emerged as a vital piece of the Yankees’ lineup, transitioning from a bench player to a core contributor. Through 28 games, Rice is hitting .322 with a .447 on-base percentage and a .744 slugging average, totaling a 226 OPS+. His 10 home runs and 23 RBI have been instrumental in the Yankees’ dominance in the American League. Rice’s performance has also made him a fantasy baseball asset due to his catcher eligibility, adding value beyond his offensive contributions. Second Baseman: Nico Hoerner, Cubs Nico Hoerner has been a standout defensively, leading the National League in WAR while making routine plays look extraordinary.#nico_hoerner #elly_de_la_cruz #ben_rice #drake_baldwin #kevin_mcgonigle
The Cincinnati Reds are finally hitting the ball hard The 2025 Cincinnati Reds endured a season defined by resilience, managing to stay just above .500 and securing a Wild Card berth in the National League before being swiftly eliminated by a future World Series contender. While their pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, was a standout element of their success, their offense remained a glaring weakness. Despite a player who managed to lead the team in home runs despite playing on a bum thigh, the Reds struggled to generate power. Statcast data from that season revealed their average exit velocity (EV) was a dismal 88.6 mph, placing them second to last in the league, with only Cleveland and Houston hitting the ball softer. Their EV50, which measures the speed at which 50% of batted balls travel, was also among the worst in the game, and their number of balls hit over 95 mph ranked third worst. The 2026 season marked a hopeful turning point for the Reds, who aimed to transform their offense into a more formidable force. Key additions like Eugenio Suarez were expected to bring much-needed power, while players such as Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain were anticipated to return from injury-related struggles. Sal Stewart, a known power hitter, was also expected to contribute immediately. These changes were seen as critical to addressing the team’s long-standing offensive shortcomings. Early in the 2026 season, the Reds began to show signs of progress. In their first 10 games, they ranked fourth in average exit velocity at 90.7 mph, a significant improvement from the 88.6 mph recorded in 2025. Their EV50 of 100.2 mph placed them fifth in the league, signaling a marked shift in their approach.#cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #elly_de_la_cruz #sal_stewart #tyler_stephenson
Breaking down Reds' early season performance CINCINNATI -- Just over two weeks into the 2026 season, the Cincinnati Reds are navigating a challenging start, with small sample sizes making it premature to draw definitive conclusions. However, early observations highlight both areas of concern and potential strengths. Manager Terry Francona and players have acknowledged the team’s struggles while emphasizing the importance of process and resilience. The offense has been a primary issue, as the Reds rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball in runs scored, tallying just 48 through the season’s opening weeks. Despite offseason upgrades, including the signing of Eugenio Suárez, the team’s batting average of .208 places them 26th in the league. This underperformance is compounded by a gap between actual and expected performance. The team’s combined weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .291 is 22 points below its expected xwOBA of .313, tying them with St. Louis as the second-unluckiest offense in baseball. Several hitters have failed to replicate their Spring Training success, with only rookie Sal Stewart showing sustained production. The lack of consistency has led to frustration, but Francona praised the players’ approach. “We’re fighting through frustrations on the offensive side of the game, but what I love is they’re playing the game right,” he said. “The guys that we have are going to hit.” Left fielder Spencer Steer, who has struggled with timing, exemplified the team’s challenges. During a 10-2 loss to the Angels, Steer hit two drives over 100 mph off the bat, only to see them caught by Mike Trout. “You can do everything right and hit the ball hard and you’re out,” Steer said. “That’s the goal, hit the ball hard every time I’m up, find a way on base and be a tough out.#cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #terry_francona #elly_de_la_cruz #spencer_steer
Cincinnati Reds Seek Momentum in Four-Game Series Against Surprising Miami Marlins The Cincinnati Reds, coming off a weekend sweep in Arlington, aim to build on their recent success as they travel to Miami for a four-game series against the early surprising Miami Marlins. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 6-3 records, setting the stage for a competitive showdown. The Marlins, who lost a weekend series to the New York Yankees, are eager to rebound, while the Reds, despite their winning record, have yet to fully harness their offensive potential. The Marlins have emerged as a formidable batting force this season, ranking third in team batting average at .276 and tied for fifth in runs scored with 49. Their offensive output is bolstered by 82 hits, though their power output remains modest with only eight team home runs. However, their pitching staff has struggled, sitting 16th in the league with a 4.10 ERA. A bright spot for Miami is former NL All-Star and Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara, who recently threw a complete-game shutout against the Chicago White Sox. Alcantara is expected to play a key role in this series, adding intrigue to the matchup. The Reds, on the other hand, have relied heavily on their pitching and defense to secure victories. Despite scoring only 26 runs on the season, their strong pitching staff and fielding have kept them competitive. The team has shown flashes of power, with players like Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Eugenio Suarez hitting clutch home runs early in the season. However, their offensive struggles persist, and the Reds will need to find consistency at the plate to challenge the Marlins. The series presents a unique opportunity for the Reds to test their mettle against a team with both strengths and weaknesses.#miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #elly_de_la_cruz #sandy_alcantara #andy_abbott
Tyler Stephenson helps power Cincinnati Reds to win over Texas Rangers ARLINGTON, TX – The Cincinnati Reds secured a 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday, spoiling the Rangers’ home opener with a decisive performance from Tyler Stephenson. The game, played in blistering heat at Globe Life Field, saw the Reds’ offense dominate with three home runs from Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, and Stephenson, collectively accounting for all five of their runs. Stephenson’s two-run opposite-field shot in the ninth inning proved to be the game’s turning point, sealing the win for the Reds. The Rangers, making their 2026 home debut, struggled to contain the Reds’ power-hitting trio. Steer opened the scoring in the third inning with a towering home run to the right-center field gap, sending the crowd into a frenzy. De La Cruz followed with a solo shot in the fifth, showcasing his emerging power as a key contributor to the Reds’ lineup. However, it was Stephenson’s late-inning heroics that ultimately determined the outcome. After the Rangers tied the game in the eighth inning, Stephenson stepped up with two outs and the bases loaded, launching a deep fly ball to the wall in left field that cleared the fence. The Reds’ victory marked a strong start to their 2026 season, with manager Brandon Miller praising the team’s resilience and offensive firepower. “We’ve been working hard to build this kind of momentum,” Miller said after the game. “When you have players like Stephenson stepping up in clutch moments, it gives you confidence.” The win also highlighted the Reds’ ability to capitalize on key opportunities, particularly in high-pressure situations. The Rangers, meanwhile, faced challenges in their home opener, with their pitching staff struggling to suppress the Reds’ offensive surge.#cincinnati_reds #texas_rangers #elly_de_la_cruz #tyler_stephenson #spencer_steer
Red Sox vs. Reds Opening Day Matchup: A Clash of Past and Present The Boston Red Sox will open the 2026 MLB season with a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant moment for the team as they face a familiar figure from their history. Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, now with the Reds, will be tasked with overcoming the challenges posed by the team’s new ace, Garrett Crochet. Crochet, who made his mark in his first season with Boston by posting an 18-5 record, a 2.59 ERA, and 255 strikeouts, is set to start his second consecutive Opening Day game for the Red Sox. The game, scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at Fenway Park, will feature a high-stakes showdown between Crochet and the Reds’ lineup, led by All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Crochet’s ability to dominate with his triple-digit fastball and devastating cutter will be tested against a Cincinnati team that has its own star power. The Red Sox’s lineup includes Roman Anthony, who emerged as a key player during the 2025 World Baseball Classic, and Trevor Story, Jarren Duren, and Willson Contreras, the latter of whom was acquired in a trade during the offseason. Francona, who ended Boston’s 86-year championship drought in 2004, brings a deep understanding of the Red Sox organization to his new role with the Reds. His challenge will be to adapt his strategies to counter Crochet’s dominance, a task that could shape the early dynamics of the game. The Reds’ lineup, bolstered by De La Cruz’s offensive prowess, presents a formidable test for the Red Sox’s young rotation. The game will be broadcast locally on NESN, with streaming options available through NESN 360 and Fubo. Fans can expect a competitive start as both teams aim to set the tone for their 2026 campaigns.#boston_red_sox #cincinnati_reds #garrett_crochet #terry_francona #elly_de_la_cruz
