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Scherzer's Final Toss? Reds Season Ends in Disappointment
28 Sep
Summary
- Max Scherzer pitched into the 8th inning, nearing Verlander's strikeout total.
- The Reds finished last in the NL Central with a 75-87 record.
- Key players like Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz had mixed season endings.
The Cincinnati Reds' 2026 season culminated in a disappointing loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, a game that may have featured the final Major League Baseball pitch from future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. Scherzer, in a rare display of his former brilliance, pitched effectively into the 8th inning, striking out seven batters and nearing Justin Verlander on the all-time strikeout list.
The Blue Jays secured a 5-1 victory, ending a difficult season for both clubs, neither of whom will advance to the playoffs. The Reds are set to finish last in the NL Central with a 75-87 record. Sal Stewart's late-season slump impacted his RBI totals and potentially cost him the National League Rookie of the Year Award, affecting the Reds' draft pick compensation.
Elly De La Cruz achieved the 30-30 threshold but is heading into arbitration, increasing his future salary demands. The team also faces uncertainty regarding pitcher Hunter Greene, who effectively missed all of 2026 and is projected to miss most, if not all, of 2027. The franchise's struggles extend to poor offensive and defensive metrics throughout the season, with the team ranking among the worst in expected ERA and offensive efficiency.
