The Reds have battled their way into playoff contention, but it could be undone in a flash if they can't find a way to compete with the Brewers this weekend.

From the guys barely hanging on to a roster spot to the essential pieces to a potential playoff run, the Long-Term Player Rankings breaks down the Reds from tippy-top all the way to the bare-bottom.

Elly De La Cruz is a baseball unicorn, but it hasn't been enough to get the Reds to the next level. Until he graduates from star to superstar, the Reds are stuck in limbo.

The Reds could use help in two areas: their lineup, and their bullpen. They should target the latter at the Trade Deadline.

It was a foregone conclusion.  The Reds pull you in, and then let you down...

But the MLB had to wait til Charlie Hustle kicked the bucket to do it.

Are the Reds good, bad, or somewhere in between?

It stings to see another Reds star traded away, but bringing in Brady Singer from the Royals is a win-now move.

Hiring Tito Francona was the first step. The next step is giving him the tools to actually win.

A tribute to a perfectly imperfect ballplayer.

David Bell is out as Reds manager, and now the all the Reds problems are solved... ...right?

The 2024 Reds season began with so much promise, but it ended like so many others: disappointing, but not surprising in the least.

The Reds made Phil Castellini CEO and the team responded with back-to-back pitiful performances. Sounds like business as ususal.

The Reds were active at the deadline, but it left a lot of fans – especially your's truly – wanting a lot more.

It's been a disappointing season so far, but the foundational pieces are there for the Reds to be much, much better.

After suffering a series sweep to the Nationals over the weekend, it's time to come to terms with what the Reds are: inconsistent.

Rece Hinds' moment has been exhilarating, but it brings up just as many questions as it does answers.

Are the Reds a good team that plays poorly on occasion? Or a bad team with fleeting moments of greatness? It's impossible to tell.

After a brutal start to his season, Jeimer Candelario is in the middle of a resurgence – and it's keeping the Reds in the mix in the NL.

After a nailbiter victory on Friday night, the Reds fought their way back into the playoff picture. This team is rounding into form.