The 2025 Cincinnati Reds had a lot of fire and a lot of production from their stars. They surged into the postseason, but were cut down by the Los Angeles Dodgers before they could win a game.

A year later, the Reds look even better. They're off to an incredible 18-9 start, sitting in first place in the National League Central and third place in the entire league. What's changed?

“We’re more mature,” Matt McLain said, via Reds reporter Charlie Goldsmith . “More polished. Playing the game the right way. You can go 0-for-4, come up in the ninth inning and get that big hit.…