Get ready, Reds fans—there’s been a major shake-up in the 2026 Redsfest lineup, and it’s bound to spark some excitement (and maybe a little debate). The Cincinnati Reds have finally added superstar Elly De La Cruz to the roster of attendees, but the road to this announcement was anything but straightforward. Earlier this week, the team released a list of players and alumni set to appear at the convention center, yet De La Cruz’s name was mysteriously absent—despite being listed for a season ticket holder-exclusive event on Friday night. Talk about mixed signals! But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: De La Cruz isn’t the only big name joining the party.
This afternoon, the Reds dropped an updated list of attendees, and it’s packed with heavy hitters. Alongside De La Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Noelvi Marte from the 40-man roster are now confirmed, bringing the total number of current players scheduled to attend to 36. And let’s not forget the minor league additions: Carlos Jorge and Arnaldo Lantigua are also set to make an appearance. But wait—there’s more. Barry Larkin, a legend in his own right, has been added to the alumni lineup, replacing Doug Bair, who is no longer scheduled to attend. These changes have fans buzzing, but they also raise a question: Why were some players initially left off the list, and what does this say about the team’s priorities?
For those keeping score at home, Jose Franco and Edwin Arroyo are still MIA, though their absence is understandable—both are busy dominating in the Venezuelan and Puerto Rican winter league playoffs. Still, it’s hard not to wonder if their schedules could’ve been managed differently. And this is the part most people miss: While Redsfest is a celebration of the team’s past and present, it’s also a strategic move to engage fans and build excitement for the future. With De La Cruz and Larkin in the mix, the event is shaping up to be a must-attend—but it’s also a reminder of how much thought (and sometimes controversy) goes into these lineups.
So, here’s the big question: Is the Reds’ handling of the Redsfest lineup a masterclass in fan engagement, or a missed opportunity to include even more fan favorites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to heat up faster than a fastball from De La Cruz himself. For tickets, schedules, and more details, head over to Reds.com/Redsfest (https://www.mlb.com/reds/fans/redsfest?partnerId=redirect-cin-redsfest) and get ready for a weekend you won’t forget!
