Why Reds vs Pirates Is Trending: 5 Critical 2025 Updates
The Reds vs. Pirates rivalry is heating up for 2025. Discover 5 critical updates, from superstar showdowns to an arms race, that make this a must-watch.
Jake Miller
A lifelong baseball analyst specializing in the NL Central and player development.
If you’ve been scrolling through baseball forums or listening to sports podcasts lately, you might have noticed a surprising matchup getting a lot of buzz: Reds vs. Pirates. For years, this NL Central rivalry simmered on the back burner, but heading into the 2025 season, it’s boiling over. Why the sudden surge in interest? Because these aren’t the rebuilding teams of yesterday. They are two young, athletic, and fiercely competitive clubs ready to fight for the division crown.
The shared trajectory of these two franchises is remarkable. Both have built through the draft, developed electrifying young talent, and are now poised to make serious noise. Every game between them in 2025 feels like a preview of a potential NLCS matchup. So, what specific developments are fueling this trend? We’re breaking down the five most critical updates that make Reds vs. Pirates the must-watch rivalry of 2025.
1. Elly De La Cruz vs. Oneil Cruz: The Superstar Showdown Is Fully Realized
For a couple of seasons, the narrative has been about potential. Two towering, athletic shortstops with otherworldly tools. In 2025, the potential has crystallized into consistent, game-changing production. This is no longer a glimpse of the future; it's the main event.
Elly De La Cruz (Reds): After a 2024 season where he dramatically cut his strikeout rate while maintaining his explosive power-speed combo, Elly has entered the MVP conversation. He’s no longer just a human highlight reel; he’s a polished hitter who understands how to leverage his gifts. Pitchers can’t just throw him high-octane fastballs anymore. He’s learned to lay off the high cheese and punish breaking balls left in the zone. Every time he steps to the plate against Pittsburgh, it’s a strategic battle.
Oneil Cruz (Pirates): Finally blessed with a full, healthy season in 2024, Oneil Cruz reminded everyone why he’s a unicorn. He led all shortstops in average exit velocity and slugged over 30 home runs. His defense, once a question mark, has become a legitimate asset thanks to his cannon arm. The showdown between these two isn’t just about who can hit the ball harder or run faster; it’s about which superstar can will his team to victory in a tight divisional race.
2. The Pitching Arms Race: Skenes, Greene, and the New Aces
A rivalry is only as good as its pitching duels, and this one is set to feature some of the most electric arms in the National League. Both teams have shifted from simply out-slugging opponents to dominating them from the mound.
The Pirates are led by their phenom, Paul Skenes. Entering his sophomore season, Skenes is already the undisputed ace. His triple-digit fastball and devastating “splinker” have made him one of the toughest at-bats in baseball. Backed by the continued development of Jared Jones, the Pirates now boast a formidable 1-2 punch that can shorten any series.
Not to be outdone, the Reds’ rotation has finally hit its stride. Hunter Greene has harnessed his velocity with improved command, making him a legitimate Cy Young contender. A healthy Nick Lodolo, with his funky delivery and sweeping breaking balls, provides a perfect complement. When a series features a Greene vs. Skenes matchup, it’s not just a game; it’s an event. These head-to-head battles on the mound will be just as thrilling as the ones at the plate.
3. The Off-Season Shakeup: Cincinnati's All-In Bullpen Move
Perhaps the biggest signal that this rivalry has reached a new level was the Reds' aggressive move in the winter. After a 2024 season where a shaky bullpen cost them a handful of crucial games, Cincinnati’s front office made a statement. They executed a blockbuster trade to acquire a premier, lights-out closer.
By landing a proven stopper to handle the ninth inning, the Reds have completely changed their late-game dynamic. Games they might have lost in the eighth or ninth inning are now locked down. This move did more than just improve the roster; it sent a clear message to the Pirates and the rest of the NL Central: The window to win is now. This newfound bullpen strength puts immense pressure on the Pirates' offense to score early, adding another layer of strategic tension to every single game.
4. A Clash of Philosophies: Cincy's Infield Power vs. Pittsburgh's Outfield Speed
Beyond the individual stars, the teams are built with fascinating, contrasting strengths. How they leverage these strengths against each other is a chess match played out over 162 games.
The Reds' Power-Packed Infield
Cincinnati boasts arguably the most talented and log-jammed infield in baseball. With Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, they have a surplus of young, powerful hitters. This depth allows them to withstand injuries and exploit matchups, but it also presents a daily managerial challenge. Their offensive identity is built around infield-driven power that can change the scoreboard with one swing.
The Pirates' Athletic Outfield
Pittsburgh, in contrast, has built an identity around speed and defense in the outfield. Led by perennial Gold Glove candidate Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates' outfield covers immense ground at PNC Park and Great American Ball Park. They turn doubles into singles and prevent runs with their gloves and arms. This defensive prowess is designed to neutralize the exact kind of extra-base-hit power the Reds rely on, creating a compelling tactical battle every time the ball is put in play.
5. It’s a Legitimate Battle for the NL Central Crown
This is the most important update of all. For the first time in over a decade, the Reds and Pirates are entering a season as legitimate, top-tier contenders for the division title. The days of playing for draft position are long gone. The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are in transition, and the Milwaukee Brewers have seen their previous core move on. The door is wide open.
Every three-game series between these two clubs carries significant weight. A series win in April could be the tiebreaker that decides home-field advantage in October. The fanbases are re-energized, the stadiums are packed, and the atmosphere is electric. This isn’t just a fun, up-and-coming rivalry anymore. It’s a high-stakes war for supremacy in the National League Central, and it's trending for all the right reasons.
The stage is set for an unforgettable season of baseball along the Ohio River. The combination of superstar talent, elite pitching, and genuine playoff implications has elevated the Reds vs. Pirates matchup from a regional rivalry to a national storyline. Get ready, because 2025 is going to be a wild ride.