Reds get frustrating outlook from ESPN analyst amid 2027 prediction

The Cincinnati Reds have a lot of very fun, young players to cheer for this season. Elly De La Cruz is one of the more exciting players in the sport, while Sal Stewart looks like a star already.

Add on a few other great players, like Chase Burns, Matt McLain, and Hunter Greene, and the Reds have the means to be a postseason team and NL Central contender every year.

However, for ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, he believes that the 2026 season is a bit too soon to fully cement the Reds as contenders, as he penciled in 2027 as the Reds' postseason season instead of this year.

ESPN analyst doesn't believe in Reds in 2026, but does in 2027

"The Reds have a nice collection of young players that I like, but I'm not sure this is a playoff team in 2026; it's feeling more like 2027 to me," McDaniel writes.

The Reds have a strong collection of young players and plenty more interesting stars all throughout the roster. But, there are still question marks, including with their young stars.

Will Stewart, McClain, De La Cruz, and other young starters impact the Reds' success in 2026? They might have potential, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they couldn't meet it this season.

Cincinnati has the ingredients for a postseason contender, but there are still plenty of holes across the roster, whether it's young players who are still unproven or veterans who could be upgraded.

More: Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news

McDaniel has some reservations about this current team, and while he has belief in them in 2027, he doesn't think the 2026 season will be their year.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as he does still believe in the Reds' potential to be a postseason contender. But, Reds fans, if McDaniel's belief in the team comes true, they will have to wait a year before they can see another postseason game.

They might've made the postseason last year, but it's going to be a bit more challenging this season with strong teams throughout the National League.

2026 might not be the Reds' time to shine, but as their young stars continue to prove their worth, and if the team can continue to invest, this squad could easily be a serious contender in 2027.

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