Why Aren’t We the Brewers? Inside Cincinnati’s Ownership & the Franchise’s Biggest Problems | RHR

Subscribe to us on YouTube! Find Roger's work on Reds on SI: https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/onsi/auth... Find Ricky's work on Reds on SI: https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/onsi/auth... Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u3pXxi... Check us out on iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-re... Get your FrostBuddy: Frostbuddy.com/redhotreds Cincinnati Reds Ownership, Nick Krall & the Brewers Comparison: What’s Wrong With the Reds? The Cincinnati Reds are facing major questions after a bombshell report from The Athletic examined why the Reds have struggled while the Milwaukee Brewers have consistently found ways to compete despite operating in similarly small markets. On this episode of Red Hot Reds, hosts Ricky Logan and Roger Strauss break down the biggest revelations from C. Trent Rosecrans’ reporting, including the Reds’ payroll limitations, ownership influence, player development, front-office decisions, and the organization’s long-running struggles to build a sustainable winner. The hosts discuss whether Bob and Phil Castellini, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall, or other members of the organization deserve the most scrutiny. They examine controversial roster decisions and contracts involving Jamer Candelario, Mike Moustakas, Brady Singer, Keynan Hayes, Nick Martinez, and others, while comparing Cincinnati’s approach with successful small-market organizations such as the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Guardians. The episode also explores the state of the Reds’ farm system and why the organization may have stopped rebuilding too soon. With young stars such as Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns, the Reds have important pieces to build around, but the lack of depth and consistent production throughout the roster remains a major concern. Other topics include: Why the Reds and Brewers are only similar in payroll and market size The Reds’ long-term struggles to reach 90 wins Ownership’s reported influence over baseball decisions Nick Krall’s role in free agency, trades, and roster construction The Reds’ player development and farm-system concerns The future of Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart Brady Singer’s contract situation and potential qualifying offer Key Brian Hayes and other difficult roster decisions The upcoming MLB collective bargaining agreement and potential lockout Whether a change in ownership or the front office could eventually be necessary What the Reds need to do to become competitive in 2027 and beyond The hosts also celebrate Elly De La Cruz reaching the 30-home-run, 30-stolen-base club, placing him alongside notable Reds such as Barry Larkin, Brandon Phillips, and Eric Davis. Ultimately, the episode asks a central question for Cincinnati Reds fans: What needs to change for the Reds to build a sustainable winner instead of repeatedly starting over? Subscribe to Red Hot Reds, follow Reds on SI, and join the conversation throughout the offseason as the Reds face major decisions involving ownership, the front office, free agency, arbitration, player development, and the future of the franchise. Keywords: Cincinnati Reds, Reds baseball, Cincinnati Reds podcast, Red Hot Reds, Nick Krall, Bob Castellini, Phil Castellini, Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, Chase Burns, Reds offseason, Milwaukee Brewers, Reds ownership, Reds farm system, Reds trades, Reds free agency, Reds 2027, MLB, Cincinnati baseball. Welcome to the Red Hot Reds Podcast. We cover the Cincinnati #Reds from MLB to the Minor Leagues to even Dominican Leagues! We are the only podcast that provides in-depth analysis of the #Reds Minor League System with our Monday Show: Minor League Mondays! Go Reds! #MLB #MiLB Spark podcast Network: https://www.sparkpodcasts.com