Hall of Famer Barry Larkin isn’t holding back, laying into his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, after another crushing loss. The franchise, currently sitting at a brutal 72-84 record and destined for dead last in the NL Central as the regular season winds down, has been mired in a 31-year playoff series drought. For Larkin, enough is truly enough.
“So Far Behind” Isn’t Just a Number, It’s a Stain
Larkin, who bled Cincinnati red throughout his MLB career and brought home the team’s last World Series title, is now speaking out as a team broadcaster. After watching the Reds get stomped by some of the best teams heading to the postseason in recent weeks, he offered a blunt, undeniable assessment. “I think these last three weeks of baseball, playing against some of the better teams that are going to be going to the postseason, really illustrates how far we are behind at this big league level, and change has to happen,” Larkin passionately declared. He didn’t stop there, adding, “This city deserves better than that, and I know every player down there feels that. But something has to give. We have to get better because we are so, so far behind.” This isn’t just about a few bad games, it’s about 21 losing seasons over the last three decades, with a paltry five playoff appearances to show for it. The frustration is palpable, and the numbers are a stain on this proud franchise.
Votto Echoes the Frustration, Exposing the Billion-Dollar Problem
Larkin’s raw honesty immediately garnered support from another franchise legend, Joey Votto. Votto, also using his broadcast platform, spoke of the city’s incredible baseball heritage, proudly stating Cincinnati was the very first major league team. “The city has charm. It has history. We have the Big Red Machine. We have icons,” Votto emphasized. “Some of the greatest players in the history of the sport wore our uniform. Cincinnati needs to be a centerpiece place in Major League Baseball.” But then, Votto delivered the gut-wrenching truth that haunts every small market fan. Asked about the future of All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, Votto’s words hit like a fastball: “Unfortunately, we can’t afford him. He is going to cost roughly the GDP of a small county.” This isn’t some minor hurdle, this is the core issue. Small market payroll struggles mean they can’t compete with the big boys, leaving them unable to keep their stars and build a consistent winner. How can you expect to get better when you’re forced to say goodbye to your best talent?
With the Reds limping to yet another last-place finish, and their own Hall of Famers demanding urgent changes from ownership, the spotlight is now brighter than ever on what the future holds. The fans, the current players, and the legends who built this franchise are all united: this team cannot afford to fall “so, so far behind” any longer. The time for change is *now*.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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