New Look Cincinnati Reds, Bengals Free Agency Targets, Mock Draft Rumors, Terry Francona Comments

Описание: Coming into the 2026 season, Elly De La Cruz is noticeably bigger and stronger. After battling through a quad injury last year that sapped some of his second-half energy, De La Cruz added about 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason, increasing his listed weight to roughly 217 lb through upper-body training and focused nutrition. That added strength aims to help him stay healthy over a full season and tap into even more power and durability than he showed in 2025, when he was among the team’s offensive leaders before the injury.

Meanwhile, Sal Stewart — one of the Reds’ breakout prospects — has taken a different physical journey. Rather than bulking up, Stewart trimmed his frame in the offseason, losing more than 25 lb while dialing in his diet and conditioning with professional guidance. He’s focused on becoming quicker and more agile, translating his athleticism to improved defensive range and offensive performance. Stewart has emphasized that this leaner, stronger build is about preparing his body for the demands of everyday big-league play.

Anchoring both of their seasons is Terry Francona’s “It’s time” message to the club. In his spring-training address — a tradition he takes seriously — Francona made clear that after an 83-win campaign and a playoff appearance, last year’s growth is just the beginning: “We might be younger than some teams… but we’ve got to go toe-to-toe. It’s time.” That phrase has become the team’s rallying motto, signaling expectation for a leap beyond postseason entry and toward true contention. Players described Francona’s speech as energizing, underscoring that the core has now matured and is ready to compete at a higher level.

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