The short answer is no, the Cincinnati Reds did not win a baseball game tonight. Honestly, they didn't even play one. If you’re checking the score tonight, January 17, 2026, you’re about two months early for the actual crack of the bat.
It’s currently deep into the MLB offseason. While the Reds aren't out on the grass at Great American Ball Park just yet, there is a massive reason why "did the Cincinnati Reds win tonight" is trending: RedsFest 2026 is happening right now.
The Big Win at RedsFest 2026
While there’s no box score to pore over, the Reds are definitely scoring points with the fanbase today. Saturday, January 17, marks the second and final day of the 2026 RedsFest at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
If you're looking for a "win," look no further than the roster of over 70 current and former players, coaches, and prospects who have been signing autographs and taking photos all day. For a team that finished 2025 with an 83-79 record—missing the playoffs but showing real flashes of brilliance—this weekend is basically a massive pep rally to convince everyone that 2026 is the year they finally take the NL Central.
Why fans are buzzing today
People aren't just there for the cheap swag or the celebrity poker tournament. They want to see the "Big Three" in person.
- Elly De La Cruz: He’s the undisputed face of the franchise. After a 2025 season where he continued to defy physics on the basepaths, fans are desperate to see if he's bulked up for even more power this year.
- Hunter Greene: Fresh off a season where his velocity stayed consistent into the late innings, he’s the anchor the rotation needs.
- The New Kids: Everyone is talking about the international signings. Just two days ago, on January 15, the Reds landed Angel Nuñez, a top-six international prospect from the Dominican Republic. Seeing that kind of talent infusion feels like a win, even if he's years away from Cincinnati.
Roster Shakes: The Trade That Just Happened
You might be asking about a "win" because of the frantic news cycle. Just yesterday, January 16, the Reds pulled off a pretty significant three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels.
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Basically, the Reds shipped off Gavin Lux to the Rays. In return, they snagged left-handed reliever Brock Burke from the Angels.
Was it a win? Depends on who you ask.
The move cleared about $3.2 million in salary. For a small-market club like Cincinnati, that’s huge. It opens up the door for a possible reunion with a veteran bat like Austin Hays, or perhaps a return of Nick Martinez to stabilize the young rotation. Getting Burke also bolsters a bullpen that occasionally looked like a burning building last August.
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When do the real games start?
If you’re itching for a real score, you have a bit of a wait. Here is the timeline for the 2026 season:
- Spring Training Workouts: Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona, in mid-February (around Feb 11 for those in the World Baseball Classic).
- Cactus League Opener: The Reds take on the Cleveland Guardians on February 21, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark.
- Opening Day: The official 2026 season kicks off March 26, 2026.
What to watch for this week
The "offseason win" isn't over. Keep an eye on the arbitration numbers. While the team reached deals with guys like Spencer Steer ($4 million) and Brady Singer ($12.75 million) earlier this month, there are still loose ends.
Also, watch the waiver wire. With the addition of Pierce Johnson recently, the Reds had to DFA Yosver Zulueta. This roster churn is constant right now as Terry Francona (yes, he’s still the skipper) tries to find the perfect mix of veteran grit and youthful chaos.
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Actionable Steps for Reds Fans
- Check the RedsFest Schedule: If you’re in Cincinnati, there are still evening events at the Duke Energy Convention Center tonight.
- Track the Remaining Budget: With $3.2 million cleared from the Lux trade, watch for a sneaky one-year deal for an outfielder in the next 72 hours.
- Secure Spring Training Tickets: If you’re planning to head to Goodyear, tickets for the February 21 opener against Cleveland are already on sale.
The Reds didn't play tonight, but they are very much in the middle of a high-stakes game of roster Tetris. Whether these offseason "wins" translate to October baseball is the $100 million question.