The Cincinnati Reds enter their June 24 showdown against the visiting New York Yankees with confidence surging after a solid stretch of play at home, where they’ve won five of their last six and continue to fight for position in a crowded National League Central race. Sitting at 41–38, the Reds have battled through inconsistency but have begun to click offensively behind the emergence of young stars like Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, all of whom have played key roles in their recent offensive success. De La Cruz, in particular, has been the catalyst—hitting 18 home runs, stealing over 25 bases, and playing with the kind of swagger that energizes the entire roster and excites the Cincinnati fan base. His blend of power and speed makes him a nightly threat, and his ability to change the game both with the bat and on the basepaths gives the Reds a fighting chance even against top-tier teams like the Yankees. Supporting him in the lineup, Steer has delivered timely hits and shows a strong on-base skillset, while Encarnacion-Strand provides raw power that can flip the game in a single swing. While the offense has shown flashes, consistency has been their greatest challenge, and that will be tested by Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, who brings experience and precision from the left side.

On the mound, Cincinnati is handing the ball to exciting rookie Chase Burns, a power right-hander making his MLB debut after lighting up the minors with his strikeout stuff and improving command. Though debuting against the Yankees’ juggernaut lineup is no easy task, Burns enters with nothing to lose and electric tools that could play well if he settles in early. The Reds’ bullpen has been spotty, but signs of progress have emerged, with Scott Barlow taking on more save opportunities and young arms like Fernando Cruz showing swing-and-miss capability in middle relief. Defensively, Cincinnati has improved, particularly with De La Cruz anchoring the infield and Will Benson and TJ Friedl covering ground in the outfield. Manager David Bell has done a commendable job keeping the team competitive despite injuries and growing pains, and this young squad continues to play with intensity and confidence, especially at home. From a betting perspective, the Reds have covered the spread in four of their last five overall, and they’ve been especially tough against American League opponents in recent interleague play. The key to this game for Cincinnati will be getting Burns into a rhythm early and not letting the top half of the Yankees order—Judge, Soto, and Torres—set the tone. If the Reds can stay within striking distance into the late innings, their opportunistic offense and aggressive baserunning could tilt the game in their favor. While they enter as underdogs, the Reds relish these moments, and this game gives them a chance to prove they can compete with baseball’s elite while continuing to build their young core’s confidence for a possible postseason push.