Barry Larkin Criticized Cincinnati Reds Performance
The former Reds star slammed the team following a lopsided loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you feel your local professional sports team is performing at an acceptable level?
Cincinnati Reds legend Barry Larkin expressed sharp criticism regarding the team's recent play. Former teammate Joey Votto voiced his agreement with Larkin as the franchise concluded its home schedule.
Why it matters
Larkin noted that a difficult 22-game stretch against playoff-caliber opponents highlighted a significant performance gap. This assessment underscores the challenges facing the organization as it evaluates its current competitive standing.
The Reds finished their final home game of the 2026 season with a 9-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The team recorded a 9-13 record over a 22-game stretch that included matchups against the Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers, and Padres.
The players
Barry Larkin
He is a former starting shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who won the National League MVP in 1995.
Joey Votto
He is a veteran former player for the Cincinnati Reds who earned the National League MVP award in 2010.
Terry Francona
He serves as the current manager for the Cincinnati Reds.
The details
The front office and manager Terry Francona are slated to be retained despite the team's struggles in the season's closing weeks. The club now prepares for a final three-game series against the Atlanta Braves to round out the 2026 campaign.
Timeline
1990 marked the year the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series.
Barry Larkin earned the National League MVP award in 1995.
Joey Votto secured the National League MVP title in 2010.
The Reds concluded their final home game of 2026 in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's poor finish against playoff-bound opponents complicates the narrative of the 2026 season. This poor stretch limits the positive momentum needed to justify significant roster optimism heading into the offseason.
The team's recent 3-10 skid over the final 13 games confirms an inability to remain competitive against top-tier pitching rotations. These results effectively finalize a disappointing finish to the 2026 home slate for the organization.
The takeaway
The public criticism from club icons like Larkin highlights internal pressure to reverse the team's late-season slump. Fans should monitor upcoming front office decisions during the final series against the Braves for signs of strategic shifts.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the roster, check out the Baseball section.
Live Poll
Do you feel your local professional sports team is performing at an acceptable level?
