The Cincinnati Reds Season is Fading Away... Bengals Draft Picks Not Siging Deals? Same Old Bengals?

Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Join us as we dive into the Cincinnati Reds' tough weekend that saw their record slip below .500 in the 2025 MLB season. Coming off a promising start under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds faced a challenging series against the Houston Astros and struggled to maintain momentum, dropping key games that exposed ongoing issues with their offense and bullpen. In this video, we break down the pivotal moments from the May 9-11 series, including a high-scoring 13-9 win powered by Elly De La Cruz’s three-run homer in a 10-run first inning, but also critical losses that highlighted their inconsistencies. The Reds, now 20-22, have been plagued by injuries to key players like Jake Fraley (calf tenderness) and Tyler Callihan (forearm fracture), testing their depth. Fans on X expressed frustration, noting the team’s .200 batting average with runners in scoring position and a 2-5 record over the past week, a slide that’s left them scrambling to stay competitive in the NL Central. We analyze how the Reds’ struggles in one-run games and blown saves, like Emilio Pagan’s recent meltdown, have compounded their woes. Despite flashes of brilliance from young stars like De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, the Reds’ inability to capitalize against sub-.500 teams continues to haunt them, a trend that carried over from their 9-18 May skid in 2024. Can Francona rally this talented but injury-riddled roster to turn things around? Share your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Reds updates, game highlights, and in-depth analysis all season long #CincinnatiReds #MLB2025 #RedsBaseball #EllyDeLaCruz #TerryFrancona The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft picks, notably first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart and second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., have not signed their rookie contracts, causing them to miss rookie minicamp drills. Head coach Zac Taylor explained that both players are “working through their contracts,” a common negotiation process for high draft picks. Rookie contracts are slotted based on draft position, but details like guaranteed money and bonus structures can delay agreements. Stewart expressed frustration, stating, “I just decided not to sign those papers … I hate being on the sideline,” but hopes to finalize by next week. Posts on X and reports indicate this is not unusual for the Bengals, as last year’s first-round pick, Amarius Mims, signed just before training camp. The Bengals’ cautious approach to rookie deals, possibly to optimize cap space or contract terms, has drawn fan criticism but aligns with their history. Meanwhile, four other 2025 picks—Dylan Fairchild, Barrett Carter, Jalen Rivers, and Tahj Brooks—have signed, suggesting the holdout is specific to higher picks. The situation remains fluid, with no long-term concerns yet, as negotiations continue.