Why bother watching Cincinnati Reds rest of season? We found 5 reasons

1. Sal Stewart is chasing a Rookie of the Year title with his impressive hitting, base running, and defensive skills. Reds manager Terry Francona believes Stewart is an advanced hitter who thrives on hitting the ball the other way for extra bases. Stewart is on pace for 34 home runs, 30 doubles, 15 stolen bases, and 122 RBIs, making him a strong candidate for the top spot in NL RBIs.

2. Pitcher Chase Burns has been an All-Star in his first full season, leading the league in several categories, including ERA, wins, and win-loss percentage. With seven starts remaining in the stretch, Burns could bolster his case for the Cy Young Award. However, his workload could be limited due to his career-high number of innings pitched.

3. While the Reds don't have any candidates for the NL MVP, they will witness a fierce battle between the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Reds will face both teams multiple times in their final five weeks, providing plenty of opportunities to observe the competition. 4. The Reds have led the majors in challenge success rate at 63%, a position they've maintained throughout the season.

Catcher Tyler Stephenson and first baseman Sal Stewart have been the top performers in challenges, with Stephenson leading the league in catchers and Stewart in hitters. This success might not seem significant, but it could boost the team's morale as they close out the season. 5. As the MLB owners prepare for a potential 2027 lockout, the Reds' final few weeks could be a nostalgic reminder of the team's talent, particularly Stewart, Burns, and third baseman Elly De La Cruz.

With the possibility of a prolonged strike, these players might provide a much-needed glimpse of the sport fans have come to know and love.